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State Funeral Service for Father Robert (Bob) John Maguire AM RFD

A State Funeral Service for Father Robert (Bob) John Maguire AM RFD was held at St Patrick’s Cathedral on Friday 5 May 2023.

Father Bob Maguire AM RFD adjusts his glasses

A State Funeral Service for Father Robert (Bob) John Maguire AM RFD was held at St Patrick’s Cathedral at 11 am on Friday 5 May 2023.

Friends, family, colleagues and members of the public gathered to reflect on Father Bob’s life and his significant contribution to the Victorian community.

The Service commenced with a Welcome to Country from Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Di Kerr OAM.

The Very Reverend Werner Utri, Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, shared a welcome and gathering message before Kristina Lang and Christopher Watson led the congregation for the Australian National Anthem.

The Premier, the Honourable Daniel Andrews MP spoke on behalf of the people of Victoria, reflecting on Father Bob’s ability to listen and learn from the community, his care, compassion, faith, quick wit, and sense of humour.

Father Bob’s niece, Peta Knights, spoke on behalf of his family. She remembered ‘Uncle Bobby’ as a huge presence, who was always the last to arrive at family gatherings - but kept everyone laughing with his antics. She recalled that Father Bob was always generous with his time and had an infinite capacity for love and empathy in equal measure.

The Bob Maguire Foundation Board Member, Frank O’Connor reflected on Father Bob’s work in the communities of South Melbourne, Melbourne, and beyond. He remembered Father Bob’s ability to create a sense of belonging for anyone and everyone – a quality that endeared him to all, no matter their circumstances or stance in society.

Father Bob’s collaborator and co-host, John Safran, provided a humorous tribute to his close friend of 20 years. John shared how he thought Father Bob might have reacted to the offer of a State Funeral Service in the style of their insightful banter, and reflected on how it brought Bob so much joy to grapple with the big questions in life in an irreverent way.

A touching video and photo montage followed, to the sounds of Amazing Grace which was sung by Emmanuel Kelly.

A Requiem Mass followed with Most Reverend Peter A Comensoli DD, Archbishop of Melbourne as Principal Celebrant, with Most Reverend Mark Coleridge BA DSS, Archbishop of Brisbane, and priest friends of Father Bob as Concelebrants. Reverend Michael Buck was the Master of Ceremonies.

At Father Bob’s request, the service concluded with Danny Boy.

Donations

In lieu of flowers and at the request of Father Bob’s family, memorial tributes may be made in the form of contributions to the Father Bob Maguire Foundation.

To donate directly, visit donate.mycause.com.au.

Watch in full screen on Vimeo(opens in a new window).

View transcript

  • A portrait of Father Bob sits next to his army hat, medals and flowers on a table.
  • Aunty Di Kerr OAM speaks at a podium shaped like an eagle. There are flags behind her.
  • The Premier speaks into a microphone at a podium shaped like an Eagle. There are flags behind him.
  • Peta Knights is dressed in black. She speaks at a gold podium shaped like an Eagle.
  • Frank O'Connor is dressed in grey and wears glasses. He speaks at a gold podium shaped like an Eagle.
  • John Safran is speaks at a gold podium shaped like an eagle. He wears a beige flat cap and black glasses. He is touching his chin while he speaks.
  • Two priests stand at the altar in prayer, dressed in white robes.
  • The Archbishop of Brisbane is dressed in white and gold robes and wears a white mitre on his head. He speaks at a podium in the shape of a golden eagle.
  • A bagpiper, priest and a funeral director walk down a tree-lined street as a grey hearse follows behind them.

  • A portrait of Father Bob alongside his army hat, medals and flowers during the State Funeral Service at St Patrick’s Cathedral.

  • Wurundjeri Elder, Aunty Di Kerr OAM, shared the Welcome to Country at Father Bob’s State Funeral Service.

  • The Honourable Daniel Andrews MP, Premier of Victoria, spoke on behalf of the people of Victoria.

  • Father Bob’s niece, Peta Knights, paid tribute to her ‘Uncle Bobby’ on behalf of the family.

  • The Father Bob Maguire Foundation board member Frank O’Connor reflected on Father Bob’s work in the community.

  • John Safran provided a humorous tribute to his close friend, collaborator and co-host.

  • Most Reverend Peter A Comensoli DD, Archbishop of Melbourne, led the Requiem Mass.

  • Most Reverend Mark Coleridge BA DSS, Archbishop of Brisbane, and friend of Father Bob was Concelebrant of the Requiem Mass.

  • A bagpiper and the Dean of St Patrick’s Cathedral, Father Werner Utri, lead Father Bob's procession from the Cathedral.

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