In a packed Cathedral with many standing, Bishop Crowley returned to the Diocese on 14 December 2007 to give thanks for his fourteen years service as our Diocesan Bishop and to say farewell to priests, religious and people.

The night was foggy and frosty, yet people came from all parts of the Diocese to the farewell Mass. Abbot Cuthbert, Mgrs Dasey and Morgan together with over 70 Diocesan and Religious Priests concelebrated the Mass including Mgr Kevin Coughlin, a former Vicar General.

As Bishop Crowley reached the Altar, there was spontaneous applause from the whole congregation. Bishop Crowley’s sister and brothers as well as their families together with Srs. Kitty and Sheila IC who had cared for him for most of his fourteen years with us were in the congregation whilst Fr Michael Kirkham, a priest friend from their time as members of the Catholic Missionary Society was a concelebrant. Sr. Sheila read a lesson whilst Sr. Kitty and the Bishop’s sister, Mary, together with pupils from our local schools presented the Offertory Gifts. The bidding prayers were led by laity from across the Diocese.

In his homily, Bishop Crowley thanked priests and people for all the support they had given him during his fourteen years as our Bishop. He outlined briefly the events of the past year which had led to his resignation on health grounds in May. He said he was on the road to recovery, but as yet had not decided how we would return to full ministry.

Before the final Blessing, Mgr Dasey as Diocesan Administrator paid tribute to Bishop Crowley and presented him with a cheque from priests, religious and the laity of the Diocese (His speech is also in full on the Diocesan Website). He thanked Srs Sheila and Kitty for all they had done in Diocese and inscribed clocks were presented to them by Judy Coates, the Bishop’s Secretary and Pat Wilson, the Financial Secretary’s secretary.

Bishop Crowley thanked Mgr Dasey and everybody on behalf of himself and the Sisters, and said he hoped to return to the Cathedral on January 25th to present the Crozier to Mgr Drainey during his Episcopal ordination.

After Mass, Bishop Crowley stood at the Cathedral door to say his Goodbyes – the last person was greeted at 1050pm – the celebration Cake had to be brought to the Cathedral door to the Bishop so he could cut it and yet continue to say his farewells.