VALE Bishop Raymond Benjamin

Beloved Bishop Ray Benjamin dies aged 91

Fr. Michael Lowcock, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Townsville, regretfully wishes to inform the community of the death of Emeritus Bishop of Townsville, Reverend Raymond Benjamin.

Bishop Benjamin turned 91 on the 24^th of February this year. He was born in Rockhampton in 1925 and was educated atOur Lady’s Infant School and later at the Christian Brothers College, West Rockhampton. After completing his training at the Pius XII Provincial Seminary in Brisbane, he was ordained by the Most Rev. Andrew Tynan, Bishop of Rockhampton on the 25^th of July, 1949.

As a Priest, he served in many parishes in the Diocese between 1950 and 1984 when he was elected as Fourth Bishop of Townsville on the 14^th of February 1984. 

Bishop Benjamin was consecrated as Bishop of Townsville on the 9^th of May at an outdoor Ordination at the Dean Park Soundshell by Most Rev. Francis Rush, Archbishop of Brisbane. 

Diocesan Administrator Fr Mick Lowcock said “Bishop Ray came as a real pastor of this Diocese, he was open to new directions for the Diocese and was willing to support the parishes in many new directions.”  “In some ways he was a leader before his times,” Fr Mick said.

Bishop Benjamin submitted his resignation to the Holy Father on the 1^st of February 2000 and it was accepted on the 18^th of April. He was then directly appointed as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese until the 24^th of January 2001 when Bishop Michael Putney was appointed as 5^th Bishop of Townsville.

“Many saw him as a wise and loving Bishop. He was a good preacher, a great story teller and loved Townsville after coming from Rockhampton Diocese where he served in many country parishes – Mount Morgan, Tambo, Yeppoon,” Fr Mick said.

Bishop Benjamin’s family were well known in Rockhampton and his only surviving sibling, Bernie, married to Jill, is still in Rockhampton. He was fond of his family and travelled overseas for their weddings and others occasions.

Since his retirement to Brisbane as Emeritus Bishop of Townsville, he has kept a keen interest in the Diocese even though his health has declined. He has been in Marycrest Hostel for the last few years and kept alive his love of music there. He was deeply involved in life there and was a welcome addition to their choir. His Welsh heritage was dear to him and in later year he revived his love of playing the cello.

The funeral will be held at the Sacred Heart Cathedral in Townsville on Thursday 17^th March commencing at 11am. A Vigil service will be held on the Wednesday evening commencing at 7pm.