Oblate Funeral

A couple of days after Br Sayyane’s diaconate we gathered again at Springvale North this time to pray for an Oblate who has completed his earthly ministry and was called by the Lord to the eternal life. Fr Michael Clarke OMI longed for that moment for a long time, not because he was tired of living but because he wanted to be with his Divine Master whom he always loved dearly. Those of us who knew Fr Michael still treasure the images of his continues prayer. What we were also aware of was that he was very generous and inclusive in his prayers. He didn’t pray for peace of mind etc. but he kept bringing into God’s presence many people he knew from his long ministry in Australia and those who kept requesting him for his prayers.

As Father Provincial remarked Fr Michael would be over the moon seeing that his death was an opportunity for people to come together to worship the Lord Jesus.  Even in his final years, when he was very frail, he didn’t excuse himself from joining a prayer group on regular basis. In his simple but powerful way he kept witnessing his commitment to the Lord. As some people who remembered him from various parishes mentioned he was known for his commitment to visit families. Very systematically and persistently he walked his way through streets to encounter people Catholics and non-Catholics and to remind them of Christ.

I believe that Fr Michael will be as busy in heaven interceding for us as he was during his time of an active ministry and prayerful retirement.