The Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Maitland, Monsignor Leo Morris Clarke was born in Melbourne, Australia, on August 29, 1923, to Joseph Leo and Kathleen Clarke. His father was a man of extraordinary faith, devoted particularly to St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
Joseph was a newsagent, and after delivering the papers each morning, he would ride to Mass at the parish church of Middle Park.
From an early age, young Leo was his father's companion on the bike trip to daily Mass. Hard economic times bred in young Leo a streak of independence, loyalty to family and a strong, simple faith. But the independent streak was accompanied by simplicity of character, a sense of humour, a love of sport and a fascination with word games and puzzles. As young Leo discerned his future, his father's faith-filled life and love of the Mass led him to the conviction that he was being called to priesthood.
In 1942 Leo entered Corpus Christi Seminary, Werribee. His gift of improvisation was invaluable to seminary authorities at a time of restricted rations and ‘making ends meet', especially in the task of feeding the students.
Leo was ordained to the priesthood in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, on July 24, 1949, by Archbishop Daniel Mannix and was then sent as Assistant Priest to East Brighton. This was a happy time as Leo made lifelong friends in the midst of fulfilling his priestly duties, always finding time to pursue his sporting interests.
Fr. Leo's commitment to his ministry was noticed by Archbishop Mannix. Soon, he was appointed his Master of Ceremonies. This was a step into a different world, the inner circle of Archbishop Mannix and the Cathedral. Among other duties, he hosted visitors as diverse as Arthur Calwell (leader of the Federal Opposition 1960 - 67), and the Von Trapp family.
The influence of Archbishop Mannix, a towering figure in Church and secular circles, remained important throughout Leo's life. On the death of the Archbishop in 1963, Leo served as vicar general to Archbishop Justin Simonds, Cardinal James Knox and then Archbishop Thomas Frank Little.
He developed a particular interest in the clergy mission to New Guinea, and would have dearly loved to minister there, but it was denied him because of his valued service in the archdiocese.
In 1974 Bishop John Toohey of the Diocese of Maitland died. Some months later the appointment of Leo Clarke as Bishop of Maitland was announced. He received his episcopal consecration on June 2, 1976 from Cardinal James Darcy Freeman, assisted by Archbishops Thomas Vincent Cahill and Thomas Francis Little, at the Pro-Cathedral of Maitland, where he had arrived with school students lining the highway to greet him.
The 'Newcastle Morning Herald' described the occasion as "an ordination of contagious happiness".
The main gift of Leo Clarke's episcopate was by offering his humility. He was a reluctant leader, who, when asked to accept positions of responsibility, protested each time that others would be more worthy candidates for office. Despite his hesitation, his belief that God's will for him was expressed through these requests carried him forward.
He soon perceived that his duty in Maitland was to begin to ask the right questions about education, the development of the laity's role in the Church, supporting priestly identity, and preparing for decreasing numbers of active clergy.
Clarke was responsible for major rationalisation of secondary education in Newcastle, creating St. Francis Xavier's College at Hamilton as a senior school and inaugurating a new secondary school at Booragul. He introduced RENEW, a process of individual and parish renewal, and recognised the need to minister to the ministers, the diocesan clergy. These achievements came at great personal cost, as people were often suspicious of change.
Monsignor Philip Wilson, later Archbishop of Adelaide, was appointed as vicar general and the diocese moved towards the Synod of 1992–1993. The Synod process enthused those members of the diocesan community dedicated to the Second Vatican Council's vision of Church. Bishop Leo appointed the first woman chancellor in the history of the Australian Church, Sr. Patricia Egan RSJ.
With declining health, Bishop Leo applied for a Coadjutor Bishop. On November 3, 1995, Bishop Michael Malone was appointed, and Bishop Leo submitted his resignation on the grounds of ill health.
He lived quietly in his retirement years supported by his loyal friends. Bishop Leo Clarke died on Saturday, June 3, 2006, aged 82, after a long illness. A Vigil of Prayer and Remembrance was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Hunter Street Newcastle West on Thursday June 8, at 7.00 pm., funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday, June 9, at 11.00 am., The cortege proceeded to the bishops' crypt at St. John the Baptist Church, Cathedral Street, Maitland, arriving at 2.30 pm., for interment.
Joseph was a newsagent, and after delivering the papers each morning, he would ride to Mass at the parish church of Middle Park.
From an early age, young Leo was his father's companion on the bike trip to daily Mass. Hard economic times bred in young Leo a streak of independence, loyalty to family and a strong, simple faith. But the independent streak was accompanied by simplicity of character, a sense of humour, a love of sport and a fascination with word games and puzzles. As young Leo discerned his future, his father's faith-filled life and love of the Mass led him to the conviction that he was being called to priesthood.
In 1942 Leo entered Corpus Christi Seminary, Werribee. His gift of improvisation was invaluable to seminary authorities at a time of restricted rations and ‘making ends meet', especially in the task of feeding the students.
Leo was ordained to the priesthood in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, on July 24, 1949, by Archbishop Daniel Mannix and was then sent as Assistant Priest to East Brighton. This was a happy time as Leo made lifelong friends in the midst of fulfilling his priestly duties, always finding time to pursue his sporting interests.
Fr. Leo's commitment to his ministry was noticed by Archbishop Mannix. Soon, he was appointed his Master of Ceremonies. This was a step into a different world, the inner circle of Archbishop Mannix and the Cathedral. Among other duties, he hosted visitors as diverse as Arthur Calwell (leader of the Federal Opposition 1960 - 67), and the Von Trapp family.
The influence of Archbishop Mannix, a towering figure in Church and secular circles, remained important throughout Leo's life. On the death of the Archbishop in 1963, Leo served as vicar general to Archbishop Justin Simonds, Cardinal James Knox and then Archbishop Thomas Frank Little.
He developed a particular interest in the clergy mission to New Guinea, and would have dearly loved to minister there, but it was denied him because of his valued service in the archdiocese.
In 1974 Bishop John Toohey of the Diocese of Maitland died. Some months later the appointment of Leo Clarke as Bishop of Maitland was announced. He received his episcopal consecration on June 2, 1976 from Cardinal James Darcy Freeman, assisted by Archbishops Thomas Vincent Cahill and Thomas Francis Little, at the Pro-Cathedral of Maitland, where he had arrived with school students lining the highway to greet him.
The 'Newcastle Morning Herald' described the occasion as "an ordination of contagious happiness".
The main gift of Leo Clarke's episcopate was by offering his humility. He was a reluctant leader, who, when asked to accept positions of responsibility, protested each time that others would be more worthy candidates for office. Despite his hesitation, his belief that God's will for him was expressed through these requests carried him forward.
He soon perceived that his duty in Maitland was to begin to ask the right questions about education, the development of the laity's role in the Church, supporting priestly identity, and preparing for decreasing numbers of active clergy.
Clarke was responsible for major rationalisation of secondary education in Newcastle, creating St. Francis Xavier's College at Hamilton as a senior school and inaugurating a new secondary school at Booragul. He introduced RENEW, a process of individual and parish renewal, and recognised the need to minister to the ministers, the diocesan clergy. These achievements came at great personal cost, as people were often suspicious of change.
Monsignor Philip Wilson, later Archbishop of Adelaide, was appointed as vicar general and the diocese moved towards the Synod of 1992–1993. The Synod process enthused those members of the diocesan community dedicated to the Second Vatican Council's vision of Church. Bishop Leo appointed the first woman chancellor in the history of the Australian Church, Sr. Patricia Egan RSJ.
With declining health, Bishop Leo applied for a Coadjutor Bishop. On November 3, 1995, Bishop Michael Malone was appointed, and Bishop Leo submitted his resignation on the grounds of ill health.
He lived quietly in his retirement years supported by his loyal friends. Bishop Leo Clarke died on Saturday, June 3, 2006, aged 82, after a long illness. A Vigil of Prayer and Remembrance was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Hunter Street Newcastle West on Thursday June 8, at 7.00 pm., funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday, June 9, at 11.00 am., The cortege proceeded to the bishops' crypt at St. John the Baptist Church, Cathedral Street, Maitland, arriving at 2.30 pm., for interment.
The Sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Maitland, Monsignor Leo Morris Clarke was born in Melbourne, Australia, on August 29, 1923, to Joseph Leo and Kathleen Clarke. His father was a man of extraordinary faith, devoted particularly to St. Thérèse of Lisieux.
Joseph was a newsagent, and after delivering the papers each morning, he would ride to Mass at the parish church of Middle Park.
From an early age, young Leo was his father's companion on the bike trip to daily Mass. Hard economic times bred in young Leo a streak of independence, loyalty to family and a strong, simple faith. But the independent streak was accompanied by simplicity of character, a sense of humour, a love of sport and a fascination with word games and puzzles. As young Leo discerned his future, his father's faith-filled life and love of the Mass led him to the conviction that he was being called to priesthood.
In 1942 Leo entered Corpus Christi Seminary, Werribee. His gift of improvisation was invaluable to seminary authorities at a time of restricted rations and ‘making ends meet', especially in the task of feeding the students.
Leo was ordained to the priesthood in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, on July 24, 1949, by Archbishop Daniel Mannix and was then sent as Assistant Priest to East Brighton. This was a happy time as Leo made lifelong friends in the midst of fulfilling his priestly duties, always finding time to pursue his sporting interests.
Fr. Leo's commitment to his ministry was noticed by Archbishop Mannix. Soon, he was appointed his Master of Ceremonies. This was a step into a different world, the inner circle of Archbishop Mannix and the Cathedral. Among other duties, he hosted visitors as diverse as Arthur Calwell (leader of the Federal Opposition 1960 - 67), and the Von Trapp family.
The influence of Archbishop Mannix, a towering figure in Church and secular circles, remained important throughout Leo's life. On the death of the Archbishop in 1963, Leo served as vicar general to Archbishop Justin Simonds, Cardinal James Knox and then Archbishop Thomas Frank Little.
He developed a particular interest in the clergy mission to New Guinea, and would have dearly loved to minister there, but it was denied him because of his valued service in the archdiocese.
In 1974 Bishop John Toohey of the Diocese of Maitland died. Some months later the appointment of Leo Clarke as Bishop of Maitland was announced. He received his episcopal consecration on June 2, 1976 from Cardinal James Darcy Freeman, assisted by Archbishops Thomas Vincent Cahill and Thomas Francis Little, at the Pro-Cathedral of Maitland, where he had arrived with school students lining the highway to greet him.
The 'Newcastle Morning Herald' described the occasion as "an ordination of contagious happiness".
The main gift of Leo Clarke's episcopate was by offering his humility. He was a reluctant leader, who, when asked to accept positions of responsibility, protested each time that others would be more worthy candidates for office. Despite his hesitation, his belief that God's will for him was expressed through these requests carried him forward.
He soon perceived that his duty in Maitland was to begin to ask the right questions about education, the development of the laity's role in the Church, supporting priestly identity, and preparing for decreasing numbers of active clergy.
Clarke was responsible for major rationalisation of secondary education in Newcastle, creating St. Francis Xavier's College at Hamilton as a senior school and inaugurating a new secondary school at Booragul. He introduced RENEW, a process of individual and parish renewal, and recognised the need to minister to the ministers, the diocesan clergy. These achievements came at great personal cost, as people were often suspicious of change.
Monsignor Philip Wilson, later Archbishop of Adelaide, was appointed as vicar general and the diocese moved towards the Synod of 1992–1993. The Synod process enthused those members of the diocesan community dedicated to the Second Vatican Council's vision of Church. Bishop Leo appointed the first woman chancellor in the history of the Australian Church, Sr. Patricia Egan RSJ.
With declining health, Bishop Leo applied for a Coadjutor Bishop. On November 3, 1995, Bishop Michael Malone was appointed, and Bishop Leo submitted his resignation on the grounds of ill health.
He lived quietly in his retirement years supported by his loyal friends. Bishop Leo Clarke died on Saturday, June 3, 2006, aged 82, after a long illness. A Vigil of Prayer and Remembrance was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Hunter Street Newcastle West on Thursday June 8, at 7.00 pm., funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday, June 9, at 11.00 am., The cortege proceeded to the bishops' crypt at St. John the Baptist Church, Cathedral Street, Maitland, arriving at 2.30 pm., for interment.
Joseph was a newsagent, and after delivering the papers each morning, he would ride to Mass at the parish church of Middle Park.
From an early age, young Leo was his father's companion on the bike trip to daily Mass. Hard economic times bred in young Leo a streak of independence, loyalty to family and a strong, simple faith. But the independent streak was accompanied by simplicity of character, a sense of humour, a love of sport and a fascination with word games and puzzles. As young Leo discerned his future, his father's faith-filled life and love of the Mass led him to the conviction that he was being called to priesthood.
In 1942 Leo entered Corpus Christi Seminary, Werribee. His gift of improvisation was invaluable to seminary authorities at a time of restricted rations and ‘making ends meet', especially in the task of feeding the students.
Leo was ordained to the priesthood in St. Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne, on July 24, 1949, by Archbishop Daniel Mannix and was then sent as Assistant Priest to East Brighton. This was a happy time as Leo made lifelong friends in the midst of fulfilling his priestly duties, always finding time to pursue his sporting interests.
Fr. Leo's commitment to his ministry was noticed by Archbishop Mannix. Soon, he was appointed his Master of Ceremonies. This was a step into a different world, the inner circle of Archbishop Mannix and the Cathedral. Among other duties, he hosted visitors as diverse as Arthur Calwell (leader of the Federal Opposition 1960 - 67), and the Von Trapp family.
The influence of Archbishop Mannix, a towering figure in Church and secular circles, remained important throughout Leo's life. On the death of the Archbishop in 1963, Leo served as vicar general to Archbishop Justin Simonds, Cardinal James Knox and then Archbishop Thomas Frank Little.
He developed a particular interest in the clergy mission to New Guinea, and would have dearly loved to minister there, but it was denied him because of his valued service in the archdiocese.
In 1974 Bishop John Toohey of the Diocese of Maitland died. Some months later the appointment of Leo Clarke as Bishop of Maitland was announced. He received his episcopal consecration on June 2, 1976 from Cardinal James Darcy Freeman, assisted by Archbishops Thomas Vincent Cahill and Thomas Francis Little, at the Pro-Cathedral of Maitland, where he had arrived with school students lining the highway to greet him.
The 'Newcastle Morning Herald' described the occasion as "an ordination of contagious happiness".
The main gift of Leo Clarke's episcopate was by offering his humility. He was a reluctant leader, who, when asked to accept positions of responsibility, protested each time that others would be more worthy candidates for office. Despite his hesitation, his belief that God's will for him was expressed through these requests carried him forward.
He soon perceived that his duty in Maitland was to begin to ask the right questions about education, the development of the laity's role in the Church, supporting priestly identity, and preparing for decreasing numbers of active clergy.
Clarke was responsible for major rationalisation of secondary education in Newcastle, creating St. Francis Xavier's College at Hamilton as a senior school and inaugurating a new secondary school at Booragul. He introduced RENEW, a process of individual and parish renewal, and recognised the need to minister to the ministers, the diocesan clergy. These achievements came at great personal cost, as people were often suspicious of change.
Monsignor Philip Wilson, later Archbishop of Adelaide, was appointed as vicar general and the diocese moved towards the Synod of 1992–1993. The Synod process enthused those members of the diocesan community dedicated to the Second Vatican Council's vision of Church. Bishop Leo appointed the first woman chancellor in the history of the Australian Church, Sr. Patricia Egan RSJ.
With declining health, Bishop Leo applied for a Coadjutor Bishop. On November 3, 1995, Bishop Michael Malone was appointed, and Bishop Leo submitted his resignation on the grounds of ill health.
He lived quietly in his retirement years supported by his loyal friends. Bishop Leo Clarke died on Saturday, June 3, 2006, aged 82, after a long illness. A Vigil of Prayer and Remembrance was held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral Hunter Street Newcastle West on Thursday June 8, at 7.00 pm., funeral Mass was held at Sacred Heart Cathedral on Friday, June 9, at 11.00 am., The cortege proceeded to the bishops' crypt at St. John the Baptist Church, Cathedral Street, Maitland, arriving at 2.30 pm., for interment.
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