Joy and Hope - Pat Power

When Pat Power retired as Auxiliary Bishop of Canberra and Goulburn in 2012, there was an outpouring of tributes to him and to his time as Bishop. A moving selection of these can be found on the archdiocesan website. His Archbishop, Francis Carroll, said he was ‘a man of conviction and courage who has publicly espoused many a cause, particularly when injustice, disadvantage and discrimination were at stake. From this, not only Catholic people but many in the wider community have found someone to speak for them and have drawn hope and strength from his support.’

Pat Power spoke on many occasions and in many forums on many issues and themes. This book is a collection of such pieces. They come from homilies, occasional addresses, newspaper opinion pieces, letters and personal reflections. They cover a wide range of topics, and always with openness and humble respect.

Pat Power sees himself as part of the pilgrim church, ‘a people on the move, with a sense of adventure, supporting and encouraging one another, sometimes getting a bit lost or bloodied, sometimes questioning the path they have taken, but ultimately believing that Jesus is the way, the truth and the life.