The Good Doctor Mannix

Today is the 44th anniversary of the death of Archbishop Mannix. The Good Doctor is buried in the 'crypt' of his Cathedral. Visitors this day will note well that his beautiful Cathedral is closed. Somewhere within the territory of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, it happens to be racing day - a 'sacro-civil day of obligation'. Happily, the Mannix library is open to the public.

I suppose I'm quite liberal when it comes to this part of Melbourne 'tradition', having been born within the boundaries of the Sydney Archdiocese, and reborn out of a Parramatta font. Still, sealed with Melbourne Holy Oil, this is my home and delight.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Archbishop Mannix. Archbishop Hart will offer Mass for the repose of the souls of the Archbishops of Melbourne this Wednesday (tomorrow) at 1pm at the Cathedral.

Do note that this post is grounded in pleasant humour, and that there is no intention of poking fun at our beloved Archdiocese! I should be writing papers, anyway.

I was going to write that I was 'born into' the Sydney Archdiocese - then I realised the descent into heresy, and restructured the sentence.