Priest will be missed

IT is at the very heart of Christianity to rejoice in Christ as a human being.

Enter any Christian church and depictions of his suffering on the cross loom large and lifelike. Christ’s blood and pain are human traits that coexist with his divine status. The son of God suffered as an ordinary man.

It’s a unique dichotomy and a complex concept that must be taken on faith.

It also sets the highest ideal for those who wish to serve in his name. Be virtuous, be pious, be close to God … but don’t forget your common humanity.

It is intended as the highest tribute to Catholic priest Fr Kevin Dillon to acknowledge that he has appeared to balance that special challenge with the greatest of skill and grace.

And he has done so through difficult times.

As Fr Dillon departs Geelong after 16 years to head to a new parish in Rowville, we salute his dedication to his church, his parish and his city and note that he has left a mark well beyond the walls of St Mary’s.

Fr Dillon’s well-honed sense of social justice has served our community well. It was most evident, but not limited to, his response to sexual abuse within the clergy where his support for victims and his willingness to raise his voice in opposition to his church underlined his courage and compassion.

The path he chose was difficult. But it was right.

In recent years, Fr Dillon has penned a weekly column in this newspaper, taking his thoughts to a mainstream audience.

In doing so, he showed his capacity as a talented storyteller, using humour and an understanding of popular culture to get us thinking about the world around us.

He demonstrated his belief in people’s inner goodness to rise and conquer the most difficult of circumstances.

It was with an overwhelming sense of sadness that Fr Dillon celebrated his last Mass as St Mary’s parish priest yesterday.

It is time for well-earned change for this fine priest, good bloke and distinguished human being.

We’ll miss him.