DEAKIN, Most Reverend Hilton Forrest AM DD PhD Ord.R.E. Timor Leste; M. Lopes Medal

Most Reverend Hilton Forrest

AM DD PhD Ord.R.E. Timor Leste;

M. Lopes Medal

Ordained a priest at St Patrick's Cathedral, East Melbourne on 27 July 1958. After serving as

Assistant Priest at the parishes of Moonee Ponds (1959), St Patrick's Cathedral (1963), Box Hill

(1963) and Glen Iris (1969), he was then appointed Parish Priest of the newly established Parish

of Mount Eliza (1979). In 1987, Fr Deakin was appointed Vicar General to the Archdiocese and

then was named as Bishop in 1993 and appointed as Auxiliary Bishop for Melbourne, serving

under three Archbishops. His ministry to the Archdiocese of Melbourne was broad and rich and

included appointments to various Boards and Councils as well as appointment as the Episcopal

Vicar for Migrants and Refugees. He held a great love and interest in Church music and the

special work of the St Patrick's Cathedral Choir. Completing a BA and PhD in Anthropology in

the 1970s, Bishop Deakin engaged in study and research into Aboriginal matters which led to

international projects and roles including that of President of Caritas Oceania and Vice

President of Caritas Internationalis. He was involved heavily in the affairs of East Timor and the support of the Timorese people at many levels and did extensive work for the 40th Eucharistic

Congress. With a focus on the just provision for under-privileged people, Bishop Deakin

ministered for more than 30 years to people who suffered economic, spiritual and cultural

deprivation. In recognition of this extensive work, Bishop Deakin was awarded a Member of

the Order of Australia in 2003 along with the Centenary Federation Medal. Bishop Deakin

retired in 2007 and was appointed Bishop Emeritus. In 2008 he celebrated his

Diamond Jubilee in 2019.

He passed away peacefully at Justin Villa, Balwyn on 28 September 2022 aged 89 years. He will be remembered as a man who was held in deep

admiration for the many gifts he so generously shared throughout his long and dedicated

service to God's people.

May he rest in peace.