Tributes to 'true people's priest' at state funeral of Father Bob

Victorian Premier Dan Andrews joined other politicians, church leaders and representatives of the charity sector to farewell the popular “people’s priest” at St Patrick’s Cathedral in Melbourne.

Father Maguire died last month at the age of 88.

Paying tribute in the service, Andrews said as a parish priest in South Melbourne for decades he had “built a community” by helping the poor and marginalised members of society.

He was the true “people’s priest”, the premier said.

“In his own words … he loved the unloved and lovely.”

Andrews said he brought hope, comfort as well as essential everyday support for the needs of South Melbourne.

“He would greet everyone he met with a ‘G’day cobber,” he said.

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Andrews also recalled how Maguire was not afraid to speak out on social issues, including criticism of the church and governments.

Maguire was ordained as a priest in 1960 at the age of 25, and clashed with the church on many issues over the years.

He was parish priest of St. Peter & Paul’s Catholic Church in South Melbourne from 1973 to 2012.

Maguire became a Member of the Order of Australia in 1989 for his service to homeless youth. In 2011 he was awarded Victorian of the Year.

He founded the Father Bob Maguire Foundation in 2003, which has a mission to “provide material, emotional and social support to whomever, whenever and wherever necessary”.

The foundation also aims to end homelessness and disadvantage through creating a caring community.