After 16 years as Tatura’s parish priest and 44 years of ministry, more than 400 people said goodbye to Father Michael Morley on Sunday.
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Fr Michael, who will be relocating to his home near Yarrawonga to do "lesser" parish duties, said it was humbling to see so many people at his final mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
“Family from Sydney and Melbourne attended, along with friends from Western Australia and NSW south coast,” Fr Michael said.
“There were people from each of the parishes I served at and friends from before I went into the seminary and friends I made while at the seminary.”
Fr Michael said he was grateful that men from Dhurringile prison could be at his last mass.
“It was wonderful to be able to celebrate mass with my dear friend Fr Rom Hayes, who retired in January, and include people in the service who represented different parts of my life and special people in our Parish at Sacred Heart and our school children,” he said.
After mass, more than 250 people gathered at the Tatura Italian Club to enjoy a farewell lunch.
“Everyone was treated to several excellent speeches with laughs from the reflections of the school children and a very hilarious skit by the office staff,” Fr Michael said.
“Sandra Dodd, who never ceases to amaze us with her giftedness, had again excelled with a beautiful cake of the altar and a beautiful bible, that she created herself.
“There are so many people who helped to make this an incredible day and I thank everyone who was involved, and everyone who came to celebrate with me.
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