‘A Life of Faith and Humanity’: Hundreds gather to honour Fr Kevin Flynn at packed St Raphael’s Church
St Raphael’s Catholic Church in Queanbeyan could barely contain the crowd that gathered to bid farewell to a beloved priest, Fr Kevin Flynn.
Known for his compassion, unwavering faith, and decades of service, Fr Kevin’s passing at 94 profoundly impacted the Queanbeyan community and beyond.
Attendees filled every pew, spilling into standing areas, honouring a life rich in devotion and service.
Archbishop Christopher Prowse, the principal celebrant of the Mass, expressed the collective grief and gratitude of the congregation.
“Today, I welcome my brother priests, Bishop Pat, Bishop-elect Tony Percy, and all of you here to honour Fr Kevin. His life is a testament to our shared call to service and faith,” he said.
Fr Kevin was born on 23 January 1931 in Harden, NSW, and ordained in 1955. His nearly 70 years of priesthood spanned numerous parishes and appointments.
He impacted countless lives as a chaplain, counsellor, and confidant. Most notable was his deep connection to Queanbeyan, where he was named Citizen of the Year in 2015.
Fr Kevin was described as a “legend of the Archdiocese” for his dedication to the marginalised and his ability to bridge gaps in understanding and compassion.
Newly retired priest Fr Tom Thornton delivered a heartfelt homily, reflecting on Fr Kevin’s incredible spiritual legacy.
“Kevin instructed me to avoid giving him a eulogy—his humility remains ingrained even in death,” he began, eliciting a gentle ripple of laughter among the mourners. “However, it is imperative to say that this humble, dedicated, yet very human disciple of Christ was a man worth knowing.”
Fr Thornton went on to highlight the pillars of Fr Kevin’s life. “His faith journey was one of prayer, enriched by God’s mercy, filled with Christ’s compassion. His personal experiences allowed him to extend that compassion to others, particularly the disadvantaged.”
The community was central to Fr. Kevin’s ministry and this connection to people defined his priesthood.
“At no stage of his life was Kevin far from people. They were his touchstone and his life source,” Fr Thornton said.
He also expressed deep gratitude to the residents of Queanbeyan who supported Fr Kevin during his retirement. “This town was his home, and you are his kind of people.”
Fr Richard Thompson, Archdiocesan Vicar General and long-time friend, described ‘Flynnie’ as a man who bridged divides, connecting equally with priests, the impoverished, and those in positions of power.
“He truly loved all, regardless of race, religion, gender, social status, or intellect,” he remarked. “Through his priestly humanity, he reflected Jesus’ divinity. We may well have been in the presence of a saint.”
Fr Kevin’s surviving sibling, Val, and extended family members were present, moved by the outpouring of love for their brother. Fr Thornton concluded his homily by reminding the congregation of Fr Kevin’s lasting impact. “Kevin was an ordinary man with an extraordinary ability to touch the lives of those he met. His wisdom, built on experience, and his unwavering faith will continue to inspire us all.”
Parishioners shared heartfelt stories of Fr. Kevin’s kindness, humour, and deep spirituality following the service. “He always made you feel like you mattered,” one parishioner said. “His prayers and presence brought peace to so many of us.”
While Queanbeyan has lost a cherished priest, the legacy of Fr. Kevin Flynn remains firmly rooted in the community he loved and served. His story is one of devotion to his faith and his steadfast commitment to humanity, making him a beacon of compassion and inspiration to all who knew him.
Rest in peace Fr Flynn , a beautiful priest, many happy memories when you were in young
What a wonderful man. I loved it when he would come to Holy Spirit Parish, Gungahlin, to say mass. If only there were more like him.
Rest in Peace Fr Flynn. You had such an impact on all you encountered.