Recently, the clergy and parishioners of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart Parish Alice Springs and Catholic Church Santa Teresa, NT gathered to farewell Sr Kathleen Leahy – a woman of deep faith, remarkable resilience, and generous service.
Sr Kathleen’s presence has blessed many corners of our Diocese over the decades – from Darwin, Katherine, the Tiwi Islands, Wadeye and Santa Teresa, to her most recent ministry in Alice Springs. Her main work has been in health, particularly in the care and education of people affected by leprosy, where she made an enduring contribution through her clinical work, advocacy, and compassion.
From her early days at East Arm Leprosy Hospital through to leadership roles in Catholic Health Care NT and later as a community welfare worker, counsellor and chaplain, Sr Kathleen has never shied away from the challenging and often hidden ministries that are so vital in the life of the Church.
As she once reflected:
“I do know, however, that like the boomerang, I am at home here in the Territory. I am ‘launched’ at various times but return to where I began. And like the boomerang, I rest comfortably in the ‘hand’ of the One who has ‘developed’ my particular ‘model’ – Jesus.”
Now as she moves to Sydney, we give heartfelt thanks for the incredible impact of her life and ministry in our midst. Sr Kathleen, you leave a legacy of love, service and faith that will long be remembered.
With gratitude and blessing,
Bishop Charles Gauci and the Catholic Diocese of Darwin