1/02/1941 – 30/04/2026
Father Philip Filby, Pastor Emeritus of Oberon and Censor Deputatus of the Diocese of Bathurst, has died after a long life of priestly service marked by scholarship, teaching, and faithful pastoral ministry.
Born in Dunedoo on 1st February 1941, Father Philip was baptised at St Michael’s Church, Dunedoo, on 16th February 1941. He was educated at St Stanislaus’ College, Bathurst, before undertaking priestly formation at St Columba’s College, Springwood, and St Patrick’s College, Manly. He pursued further theological studies at the Pontifical Institute in Sydney.
Father Philip was ordained to the priesthood by Cardinal Gilroy at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, on 18th July 1964.
Following his ordination, Father Philip served in parish appointments at the Cathedral Parish, Bathurst; St Mary’s, Mudgee; and Coonamble, before returning to the Cathedral Parish. His priestly life was marked by a strong commitment to theological formation and education. From 1969 to 1975 he undertook further studies in Rome, later completing a Doctorate of Theology at the Pontifical Urban University in 1979, receiving the degree summa cum laude.
Father Philip taught Systematic Theology at St Augustine’s Seminary in Toronto, Canada, from 1980 to 1986, forming future priests through his deep theological insight and pastoral sensitivity. He also served with the Rosminian Fathers in Rome and later returned to parish ministry in the Diocese, serving as Assistant Priest in Wellington, Parish Priest in Lithgow and Wellington, Parish Priest of Molong, and finally Parish Priest of Oberon until his retirement in January 2021.
Father Philip spent his retirement in Bathurst and his final years at St Catherine’s Aged Care Facility, Bathurst.
The Bishop will celebrate Fr Filby’s Requiem Mass in the Cathedral on Tuesday 5th May at 11.00am.
Fr Filby will be interred in the Dunedoo Cemetery on Wednesday 6th May, following prayers at St Michael’s Church, 60 Tucklan Street, Dunedoo, which will commence at 1.00pm.
