January 18, 1936 – May 24, 2024
Salesian Fr Lionel Henry SDB will be remembered for his profound and practical wisdom.
Fr Lionel passed away at the age of 88 Friday 24 May on the Feast of Our Lady Help of Christians, leaving behind a legacy of faith, service, and unwavering dedication.
Born in Kolkata, India, to Eva and Gerald Henry, Lionel was one of five children, with three sisters and a brother. His early years were marked by spirited adventures, such as skipping classes at St John Berchmans School to play marbles.
However, a timely intervention by a neighbour, Mrs Brown, led him to the Catholic Orphanage Cathedral Parish School. This shift set the stage for his transformative journey.
In 1948, Lionel joined the Don Bosco Technical School Liluah Boarding School. It was here that an Argentinean Salesian Rector recognised his potential and guided him towards the priesthood.
At just 13, in 1949, Lionel began his path as an aspirante (Junior Seminarian), immersing himself in the Salesian way of life to discern his vocation.
His commitment deepened over the years, leading to his First Profession on 24 May, 1954.
Fr Henry’s academic pursuits took him to Sonada, a serene hill station en route to Darjeeling, where he furthered his studies.
By 8 April 1964, he was ordained by Bishop David SDB of Vellore, marking the beginning of a dynamic ministry that spanned continents.
His early priesthood saw him serving in diverse regions of the Indian subcontinent.
From the bustling city of Shillong in Meghalaya to the remote terrains of Nagaland and Assam, and even the challenging landscapes of Bhutan, where he served as Vice-Principal of a technical school, Fr Henry’s commitment never wavered.
Reflecting on these times, he fondly recalled, “I worked mostly in north-east India… but then I had stints of work in Nagaland, Assan, and in Bhutan.”
In 1984, seeking new horizons, Fr Henry migrated to Australia.
His pastoral journey here was equally expansive, encompassing roles in Sunbury and Bairnsdale (Victoria), Engadine (New South Wales), and Palmerston (Northern Territory).
Eventually, he made Western Australia his home, much to the delight of his mother, who had settled in Perth.
Here, he served as Assistant Parish Priest in Victoria Park and as Parish Priest in Kelmscott, Guildford, and the Wheatbelt parishes of Goomalling, Wongan Hills, and Kellerberrin.
His long-term leadership at the Good Shepherd Parish in Kelmscott remains a testament to his enduring dedication.
Even in retirement from 2009 due to ill health, Fr Henry’s zeal remained undiminished.
He actively engaged in pastoral work and was deeply involved with the Legion of Mary in Kelmscott.
“There are also people who need help or visiting… some parishioners who are elderly,” he once remarked, showcasing his ever-present compassion.
Throughout his 60 years in the priesthood and 70 years in religious life, Fr Henry’s reflections were marked by gratitude and humility.
“I’m very grateful to God, grateful to my parents, to my formators, and to all those who crossed my path and helped me,” he shared during his 50th priesthood anniversary in 2014.
Addressing the challenges inherent in his vocation, he mused, “You have your ‘days of calamity’, but I think all walks of life, even married life, have their challenges.”
Among his most cherished memories was his mission work in Bhutan. He recounted the perils of serving under a Buddhist state regime but was profoundly moved by the Catholic converts’ unwavering faith.
“Working under a Buddhist official state religion regime was dangerous, but I was moved by the Catholic converts who were prepared to take huge risks for their faith,” he reminisced.
Fr Henry’s wisdom was both profound and practical. His advice, “One size does not fit all,” encapsulated his approach to ministry, emphasising the uniqueness of each situation while steadfastly aiming to spread God’s Kingdom.
Fr Lionel is survived by an older sister, and nieces & nephews and countless spiritual children whose lives he touched across continents.
As we mourn his departure, we celebrate a life rich in service, love, and unwavering faith.
Contributions to this obituary were made by Joy Gasper for the Australian Anglo-Indian Association Padbury WA.