A GREAT CHURCHMAN

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 140, 10 December 1929, Page 10

A GREAT CHURCHMAN

By the greatness of his gifts and the nobility of his character, Bishop Cleary gained a position rarely held by a Church dignitary. He was and esteemed far beyond his own province, and by many thouslands holding other religious beliefs. His forceful writing and able editorship made "The.Tablet" a journal widely read outside the Catholic Church. While it was intended primarily for Catholic readers, the opinions it voiced on perplexing issues

were so enlightening and so clearly presented that they attracted and held [the attention of a wider circle. The

force and lucidity of expression was! built on great scholarship, informed by a deep understanding and sympathy with humanity, and supported by courage. The courage, the knowledge, and the power of expression made Bishop Cleary a notable controversialist. He did not seek argument, but when he deemed it necessary that he should speak, he spoke with a voice that commanded attention. His work as priest and bishop revealed other sides of his character —his progressive spirit, his eagerness for adventure, his kindliness of heart, and the wide range of his intellectual interests. But it is his public service that we would chiefly emphasise. i Outside politics as he was, and rightly placing the spiritual interests of the people first as he did, he yet became a great power for the general public good. He did not desire to intervene, but when he found intervention necessary he was a fearless and able champion.