On 31 January 2025, Bishop Terrence (Terry) Curtin retired as an auxiliary bishop in the Archdiocese of Melbourne, where he has served as Bishop for the Northern Region of the Archdiocese since 2014 and as Episcopal Vicar for Evangelisation and Mission.
Over more than 50 years as a priest, Bishop Curtin has faithfully served the People of God in Melbourne in various capacities, including as a beloved parish priest, as an academic at Australian Catholic University and as Master of Catholic Theological College. He has also chaired the Catholic Education Commission of Victoria and served as Magistral Chaplain to the Sovereign Military and Hospitaller Order of Malta.
Bishop Curtin’s warmth, deep trust in God and willingness to meet people where they are have endeared him to many, including Melbourne’s Italian community and the students he has taught and served throughout his years of ministry.
Reflecting on his retirement, Bishop Curtin recalled that when he was in the seminary, ‘one of the priests once said to us, “Gentlemen, when your time comes, have the grace to go!” With the Vatican announcement last night, that time has now come.
‘Although more than four years over the “official” retirement age, it has been a great joy and privilege to continue sharing these years with the people of Melbourne—and in particular the clergy and faithful of the Northern Region of the Archdiocese,’ Bishop Curtin said.
‘I offer my sincere thanks to all who have given their prayers and support throughout my ministry, and I wish to assure them of my own.’
Last year, as he responded to the appointment of bishops-elect Frs Rene Ramirez and Thinh Xuan Nguyen as auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese, Archbishop Peter A Comensoli also expressed his deep gratitude to Fr Curtin for his faithful ministry as an active auxiliary bishop, and his willingness to serve well beyond the usual age of retirement. ‘Bishop Curtin’s dedication and care for our people has been exceptional,’ he said. ‘I ask that we keep him in prayer as he concludes his role and prepares to take up a joyous time of well-deserved rest!’
As he prepares for his retirement, we give thanks for Bishop Curtin’s ministry among us and pray that in the years ahead, God will continue to walk closely with him, using his considerable gifts in new ways for the building up of the Church and for the glory of God.
Following their episcopal consecrations as auxiliary bishops on Saturday 1 February 2025, Bishop-Elect Rene Ramirez will serve as Bishop for the Northern Region of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, and Bishop-Elect Thinh Nguyen will serve as Bishop for the Eastern Region.
Banner image: Bishop Terry Curtin.
