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Memoirs of Bishop Manning

15.03.2010

Bishop Kevin Manning of Parramatta diocese was hosted by some of the Sydney Muslim community at the Affinity Centre, Auburn on 23rd of February, 2009.

As he was about to retire as bishop he had been invited to share some of the stories of his life and receive the thanks of the Muslim community for his support over his years in office.

Columban Frs. Brian Vale and Patrick McInerney of the Columban Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations were also invited and heard Bishop Manning describe with great honesty and warmth his personal experiences of growing up in rural NSW during the Depression years.

Times were tough and Catholics often faced discrimination in applying for work so he felt that he had some insight into the difficulties newly arrived migrants might have in applying for work.

He also recalled the inspiring generosity of his parents and grandparents in the way they regularly shared what little food they had with itinerant people in those difficult times.

He talked about his own personal call to the priesthood and the sometimes difficult process of adjusting to the authority structures of Church life as a young curate in country parishes.

He was full of praise for the friendship and trust that the Muslim community had shown him since he had been in Parramatta diocese.

He valued the friendships he had developed with Muslims and emphasised that Islam and Christianity both value compassion; we all recognise that we are children of God and despite the differences in our religious beliefs we can only grow in trust and friendship through face to face meetings.

He added that he often tells hesitant or sceptical Catholics that eventually we will all end up in the same heaven! The affection and esteem with which he is held in the Muslim community was evident in their questions and thanks for his dialogue with them in recent years. They presented him with a beautiful plate as a sign of their appreciation.

Fr Brian Vale works at the Centre for Christian-Muslim Relations at the Columban Mission Institute, Sydney NSW

Holy Father's Missionary Intention for February:"That in the mission territories where the struggle against disease is most urgent, Christian communities may witness to the presence of Christ to those who suffer."

Memoirs of Bishop Manning

Holy Father's Missionary Intention for February:

"That in the mission territories where the struggle against disease is most urgent, Christian communities may witness to the presence of Christ to those who suffer."