Hundreds of people gathered today in St Raphael’s Church and the garden for the Requiem Mass of much loved priest of the Diocese, Fr Laurie Beath.
It was a glorious day weather-wise, which was fortunate as St Raphael’s Church wasn’t big enough to hold the number of people who came to give thanks to God for Fr Laurie’s life and love. Given his great passion for gardening, it seemed fitting that many were able to sit outside in the sun to worship and farewell this beloved priest.
Fr Paul Monkerud, whose friendship with Fr Laurie began in their days at the seminary, was the principal celebrant. Another friend, Bishop Brien Mascord from the Diocese of Wollongong, concelebrated along with most of the priests of the Diocese of Bathurst. Sadly, Bishop McKenna was not able to be there as he is currently at World Youth Day with our Diocesan pilgrims.
The Bishop sent a message that he and the other Bathurst pilgrims would be united with the Diocese today in remembering Fr Laurie at Mass in Lisbon, Portugal.
It was a day of prayer and sadness, joy and laughter, as many tales of our inimitable Fr Laurie were shared.
It was abundantly evident that he will be deeply missed not only by his family and friends, including his brother priests, but by many of his parishioners across the years and the countless other people whose lives he has touched in many and varied ways.
May he rest in peace and rise in glory.
FUNERAL DETAILS FOR FR LAURIE
The Requiem Mass for Fr Lawrence (Laurie) Patrick Beath
will be celebrated at
St Raphael’s Catholic Church
15 Lachlan Street, Cowra
at 11.00am on
Wednesday 2nd August 2023
VISITING CLERGY: Please refer to CDOB Professional Standards Requirements for Ministry
The Mass will be livestreamed and can be viewed via this link: https://youtube.com/live/J0EPdc8iNBk
A private cremation will follow the Mass.
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