50 Years Anniversary of the death of former MSC Superior General, Patrick McCabe.

Patrick McCabe was born at Yamba, New South Wales, and later moved to Concord. On leaving school he joined the staff of the then Catholic Press and in 1915 entered. After profession and studies at Douglas Park in Kensington, he proceeded to Rome for further studies.

He was ordained and then obtained his Doctorate in Canon Law, one of the earliest Doctors of Canon Law in Australia. He taught Moral Theology and Canon Law at Kensington for the next 10 years, five which he was Prefect. In 1934-1947 he was canonical adviser to the Apostolic Delegate and in 1939 superior at Kensington.

In 1947 he was elected Superior General, the first Australian to hold this office. After 11 years, you’re-health forced his retirement. He returned to Kensington where, in spite of his ill-health, and was frequently approached for advice and counsel.

During the 1937 General Australian Synod, Father McCabe and Msgr Nevin (President of St Patrick’s Seminary, Manly) were effectively responsible for the famous individual decrees, which guided the Australian church for the next 25 years.

6/07/1898 to 28/ 09/72.

From the obituary by Jim Littleton MSC