Representatives from Catholic schools in the Diocese of Port Pirie have gathered to farewell retiring Bishop Greg O’Kelly.
The celebration was held on Friday 16 October at St Mark’s College Sports Centre in Port Pirie.
Nichii Mardon, Director, Catholic Education Diocese of Port Pirie, and Parish Priests from the Diocese gathered to celebrate Bishop O’Kelly, along with Principals, student representatives and Board Chairpersons from Catholic schools from the Eyre Peninsula, Riverland, Mid North and Yorke Peninsula.
Students and staff of St Mark’s College were present, with a welcome delivered by College Captains Harry and Chloe.
Mary Manning of Caritas College, Port Augusta spoke on behalf of teachers and Brett Czechowski of St Alberts School, Loxton delivered a Principal’s reflection on behalf of Principals.
The Year 3 students from St Mark’s College presented a ‘wonderfully entertaining and humorous’ skit called ‘What does a Bishop Do?’, dressed up as little Bishops - there was even a guest appearance from the Pope!
Nichii Mardon officially farewelled Bishop O’Kelly, expressing deep and heartfelt thanks for the active role he has played within the Diocesan schools over the last eleven years.
“On behalf of past and present school leaders, staff, students and families I express deep gratitude for the kind, inspiring and invested leadership that Bishop Greg has generously shared with us over many years.
“He knows each school deeply - its people, its context and the gift that each brings to the broader community. Bishop Greg’s influence as a strong and gentle shepherd, of his vision and advocacy for regional Catholic education, and as a notable educational leader will continue as a lasting legacy for each of us.
“Through Bishop Greg's words and example, we know of our privileged role as educators in Catholic schools across the diocese.”
Student ambassadors from Diocesan schools presented Bishop Greg produce from each of their regions as farewell gifts.
Bishop O’Kelly then addressed the assembly with gratitude and wishes for the future.
St Mark’s College Principal, Greg Hay said, “the Bishop will be saying goodbye to a ministry of service and to a thousand relationships”.
“Bishop O’Kelly will say goodbye to the hundreds of assemblies of school children in the vastness of rural South Australia and the inspiration he created in telling us that a Catholic education is a privilege.”
Bishop O’Kelly has been a part of the schooling journey for many hundreds of students during his time in the Diocese and is very well-liked among children and young people.
Year 7 student Eva Christensen-Lauder who was confirmed by Bishop O’Kelly in August this year said that the Bishop is a happy person who always made you feel at ease.
“The Bishop taught us about God by leading by example, he is always very friendly and talkative, and always says hello. He was never serious or grumpy, he was funny and loved to share a joke. He was a good Bishop.”
The Installation of the new Bishop, Karol Kulczycki, will be held on Wednesday 28 October at St Mark’s Cathedral.
Parents, teachers and students are invited to share their insights through a new survey focused on gifted students and gifted education.
