Bishop Michael Putney of Townsville Diocese Australia, our Patron and friend of WCCM and the Australian Christian Meditation Community passed away peacefully early this morning 28th March.

Fr Laurence said:  

"We have lost a dear beloved friend and an inspiring and dedicated man of God. The community was so enriched by him and we will grieve and pray for him while rejoicing in his absorption in the Body of the Lord."

Bishop Michael said recently he felt he was breathing in the prayers of the community around the world and that the past year since he was diagnosed was one of the happiest and most fruitful in his life. There’s an inspiring and moving interview by Fr Laurence where Bishop Michael speaks about cancer, happiness and the grace filled year since his diagnosis.

Only last week Bishop Michael although frail meditated with a group of preschoolers and it was a joyous occasion . That’s  the legacy he left for  our community which began  when he supported  the Directors of Catholic  Education Townsville, Dr Cathy  Day and   Ernie Christie , in introducing  Christian meditation in all Diocesan schools.  That legacy continues in schools and catechism classes in over 27 countries.  We hold Bishop Michael and the Townsville Diocese in our prayer and give thanks for the gift he was to our meditation  community and to the wider Church.

May he rest in Peace.