Fifty years of ministry was celebrated in Yarrawonga’s Sacred Heart Parish last month with a special Mass for beloved priest, Father Michael Morley.

Although he officially retired on October 23, 2019, Fr Michael continues to be a wonderful priest on lesser duties, assisting wherever possible.

His service has been invaluable, assisting Fr Steve Bohan during the latter’s ill health and always being on hand.

It was a packed Sacred Heart Church for the special Mass on May 25 before 133 people attended Club Mulwala’s Anzac Room.

The anniversary of Fr Michael’s ordination was Friday, May 23 when he celebrated Mass with the Sacred Heart School’s preps.

“The milestone was very fulfilling” Fr Morley said.

“I find whatever gifts I’ve been given I was able to use to the best of my ability. I just loved the Mass, the whole day.

“Schools have always been very important to me and the staff. I love the children and feel so comfortable.”

Following his early career as an A Grade electrician, Michael Morley entered the seminary.

After seven years of study and commitment, he was ordained at St Monica’s Church Moonee Ponds in 1975, in the presence of his much-loved mother and family.

In a tribute at the special mass, parishioner, John Burke said all of Fr Michael’s family, and especially his mother had been proud and uplifted to have a priest in the family.

“Father Michael, we are in awe of your deep faith and how you passionately pass on to us, your knowledgeable and fervent interpretation of the Gospel. It means so much to so many,” he said.

Mr Burke told how Fr. Morley had arrived as a parish priest in 1993 and after 12 years, left for Tatura.

“At that time, you were not given a clearance by our parishioners to go, but you left anyway, to become our loss and Tatura’s gain, then later adding Kyabram parish to your heavy workload.

“In your priestly life you have achieved much; we admire your knack of helping us to renew and refresh our faith journey by your energy and enthusiasm.”

During those 12 years at Yarrawonga, Fr. Morley presided over $4 million of parish development and was instrumental in sale of land in Woods Road, commonly known as The Priest Paddock, to help the town grow.

Discussions were held about the land and sale between Fr. Morley and then secretary of the former Yarrawonga Shire Council, Graeme Emonson, who is how is now chair administrator of the council.

Sacred Heart College principal, Lew Nagle first met Fr. Morley in November 2002.

“I was working at Assumption College in Kilmore at the time and mentioned that I was looking to move back to the area with the family farm at Narbethong, Mulwala,” Mr Nagle said.

“He said, ‘leave it with me’ and I commenced work at Sacred Heart in January the following year.

“When Father Michael left Yarrawonga for Tatura and Kyabram at the end of 2003, we maintained contact through the Sandhurst Diocese network.

“I worked closely with him on the Sandhurst Capital Grants committee where his wisdom was always valued.”

The association continued when Fr. Morley returned to Yarrawonga for what was supposed to be the start of his retirement.

“During this time, Father has been a great asset to both Sacred Heart schools, stepping in to conduct key celebrations for the schools, including graduation Masses and the Feast of the Sacred Heart,” Mr Nagle said.

“Father continues to possess great energy and is a man of action.

“He has been blessed with excellent health and continues to be of great service to our community.”

Milestone achiever Father Michael Morley loves his work and simply says to parishioners: “you are my story”.

There will be a Mass on Monday, July 3 by Bishop Shane Mackinlay DD to mark the milestone by the Sandhurst Diocese.

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