A man for all seasons

Published: 6 November 2011
By: Paul Dobbyn

A PRIEST who "fought a good fight and a better one as the years progressed" has been farewelled by a vast and diverse group of mourners packing St Joseph's Cathedral, Rockhampton.

Fr Michael (Mick) Hayes' funeral was held last Monday.
His death on October 25 at McAuley House came a year after celebrations for his diamond jubilee.

Rockhampton diocese's vicar general Fr John Grace, in his homily, described Fr Hayes as a "diocesan treasure".

The deceased priest was celebrated for, among many virtues, his enjoyment of the company of people from all walks of life particularly those living at the margins, his living "with a hope rich with immortality" and his tireless determination to see projects through to completion.

Fr Grace made particular mention of Fr Hayes' inclusiveness.

"He belonged as one with Aboriginal, South Sea and Torres Strait Islander peoples, with the Filipino community, with Japanese students, with Indian residents of Hindu practice, with Asians of Buddhist connections, with Iranians of Baha'i ways, with English child migrants and orphans, and others felt squeezed to the edge of society," he said.

"'A man for all seasons' explains the multicultural nature of this vast assembly."

Fr Grace said Fr Hayes' qualities had been discerned in Banyo Seminary at the start of his priestly ministry which would cover 61 years.
"In Michael's early report cards from the seminary, the rector observed that there were the makings of a man in this good boy.

"Bishops, later, in their appointment letters to him commented on his exceptional zeal, his deep interest in people, and his fruitful and congenial relationships in the context of a zealous apostolate."

Fr Hayes' many achievements were also listed.

"At their peak, they included pastoral ministry at Woorabinda, full-time diocesan chaplaincy to the Ab-original communities, the driving force of the Aboriginal and Islander Catholic Council and prominent promoter of the diocesan and state conferences for these purposes," Fr Grace said.

"He is remembered in a rehabilitation centre in the city, named in his honour, and in a Catholic Education Award every year through a scholarship for indigenous students.

"On 26 January, 1991, Mick was rewarded with the Order of Australia Medal for his industriousness."