THOMAS, Reverend Leonard (Len)

Ordained a priest at St Patrick’s Cathedral, East Melbourne on 24 July 1965. Fr Len was appointed temporarily as Assistant Priest at Geelong Parish and later as Assistant Priest at St Kilda West (1966), Preston East (1969) and Brunswick (1972).

In 1980 he was appointed Administrator of Dallas Parish, Assistant Priest of Melbourne South (1981), Administrator of Kealba and then appointed as the Parish Priest of Hadfield from 1982 – 1990. He was a fine example to both his brother priests and wider community, particularly serving as Assistant Director to Caritas Melbourne Office in 1972, and then Director in 1993.

With his wise and specials gifts he served in the role as an Archdiocesan Chaplain for Mental Health for 20 years. After serving as Chaplain to the Mont Park Asylum he was appointed the Administrator of Ascot Vale Parish in 1998. Fr Len was a Priest in Residence at Ivanhoe West Parish (2004) where he remained and was appointed Pastor Emeritus upon his retirement in 2010. He passed away on Tuesday 17 December 2024 at Justin Villa, Balwyn. He was aged 89 years.

The Archdiocese is most grateful for his service to the Church for over 59 years and he will be remembered as a great priest who served God’s people with joy and generosity. May he rest in peace. Priests’ Retirement Foundation “Caring for those who cared”.