From Fr Peter Joseph

Fr Stephen Cooney

The Norbertine Canons of Queens Park wish to announce that Fr Stephen Fintan Cooney passed peacefully to his eternal reward on Sunday 9 July. 

He was well prepared to meet the Lord who he loved and served for over 60 years in Western Australia and before that at Kilnacrott Abbey in Ireland. A native of Tielahood, Co Cavan, Eire, Fr Stephen was one of the founding members of the Norbertine Community in Western Australia, the last member of the Founding Fathers. He served as Parish Priest of York, Cunderdin, Quairading, Beverley, Brookton, and Pingelly. He managed the Norbertine property at ‘Kerrydowns’ for many years. 

His quiet gentleness endeared him to many; his ministry was very often behind the scenes, effective nevertheless. His faithfulness to his ministry as priest and religious was exemplary. 

‘Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters’

Vigil Prayers of the Dead were celebrated in St Joseph’s Priory Church on Monday 24 July, and the Mass of Christian Burial was celebrated in St Joseph’s Priory Church on Tuesday 25 July.

Fr Peter Joseph

(Prior of the Norbertine Community)