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Bishop Vincent Malone remembered ‘We at St Mary’s School and Parish in Chorley would like to pass on our condolences. I was fortunate enough to sit down with the Bishop for tea a few years ago together with our Parish Priest, Father Francis Marsden and school headteacher and it was a privilege to listen to him tell his stories in that softly spoken voice.’ Paul Hodge, Year 3 teacher at St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and Nursery ‘The college was very sad to learn of the passing of Bishop Malone. We were always immensely impressed with his intellect with his wonderful personality but above all he personified what being a good Christian leader was all about.’ Archbishop Beck Catholic College ‘It saddens us to hear of the passing of a long-time supporter of Nugent, the Right Reverend, Bishop Vincent Malone. ‘Bishop Malone, supported not only our charity but was a friend of the Catholic deaf community and a supporter of our Caritas work in the archdiocese. Our thoughts and condolences go out to his family, and friends at this time. He will be missed greatly by all who knew him.’ Nugent ‘My memories of Bishop Malone and his interaction with young people is firstly the manner in which he would put all confirmation candidates and their families at ease. When a candidate came before him it was as if they were the only people in the church, he would ask questions and chat as if he had all the time in the world. I remember on one occasion the Bishop coming to see me I asked if he could come half an hour later than he asked for. When I told him it was because the confirmation group were meeting he asked why he could not join us, and he did. My second memory was how when visiting the schools he was totally relaxed and at ease with all ages from reception children tugging on his cassock to teenagers asking him to explain Church teaching on whatever was the topic of the day. He certainly lived up to his own motto ‘the Lord loves a cheerful giver’. He gave his all as priest and Bishop with a cheerful heart to our Archdiocese. Father Philip Swanson, Chair of Governors and School Chaplain, St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, St Helens ‘Bishop Malone was a long serving, supportive governor of our school. When 16
Catholic Pictorial
times were difficult he was always there to help and support in practical ways including saying Mass for the school community. Bishop Malone was especially helpful in ensuring fellow governors understood the legal responsibilities around school admissions. He was a person of great integrity and this shone through when he was in charge of education during some very difficult times. His actions always portrayed his deep desire to help schools to fulfil their mission to be centres of excellence where faith is nourished. His passing, while undeniably a huge loss for Liverpool and the wider Church, has reawakened fond personal memories for many of the staff and governors at Bellerive. Some of us knew him as a colleague and a friend and some of our staff, and indeed parents, were confirmed by him. A person with a brilliant mind he could make his observations in a way that no one at a meeting was ever made to feel inferior. In all his dealings he was unfailingly courteous and constructive, displaying a depth of insight that made him the uniquely gifted person who was such a blessing to know. May his generous soul continue to inspire.’ Pamela Thornton, Chair of Governors Bellerive FCJ Catholic College ‘Anytime I met him he was gentle and truly lived out the Gospel in his actions and words. The scripture ‘Let the children come
to me, for theirs is the Kingdom of God’ from Matthew’s Gospel sums him up and his passion.’ Catherine Hughes, Curriculum Leader for Religious Education, St Cuthbert’s Catholic High School, St Helens ‘Bishop Vincent Malone was a most loved Bishop across the city and was remembered especially by all the children in Our Lady and St Swithin school on ascension day with prayers and reflective artwork to mark the repose of his soul. The children, staff and families have many memories of him from many holy communion and confirmation services and also as a parish friend dropping in for the recent jubilee celebration of Our Lady Queen of Martyrs parish. He was also a popular member of the audience at the annual Croxteth pantomines held in the parish club. His smile and warmth were loved by the children on visitations to the area and he was a wonderful inspiration to them sharing the joys of his ministry and challenges of faith. During the livestreamed Mass from the Metropolitan Cathedral celebrated by Archbishop Malcolm the children at home lit candles and prayed for him, bidding the choirs of angels to lead him into paradise.’ Sandra Hamilton, Our Lady and St Swithin Catholic Primary School, Croxteth
