Father Bob Maguire's legacy will forever be remembered in song by a new track named after him.
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Written by Victorian-based songwriter Dawn O'Connell, the tribute track Father Bob Maguire focuses on his social justice advocacy and care for the disadvantaged members of society over his many decades of service to the community.
"Like Jesus, he embraced everyone and those with special needs. Not just words and promised, but hard work and good deeds," one verse reads.
"For those lucky ones to meet this man and learn from his ways, he was something to follow for all your living days.
"I wonder how many people he inspired.
"His work with the homeless and those that life had let slip by, he will be recognised in Heaven in his new home in the sky.
"Thank you to the larrikin priest; what memories you leave behind. Selfless, a true meaning of tolerance and kind."
Dawn was approached with the song idea by Newcastle charity fundraiser and entertainer Phil Mahoney.
After learning of Dawn's song lyrics, Channel 9 The Voice contestant Connor Wink was asked to record the track with producer Luke Wheeldon.
Connor is a multi-instrumentalist and vocalist from Newcastle, NSW, and is blind. All four judge's chairs turned during his audition on the 2022 series with his rendition of Cher's Believe.
The song will be released on CD and streaming services shortly, with proceeds going to the Father Bob Maguire Foundation, a Melbourne-based registered charity providing food relief, social inclusion, educational support, and a range of associated services so that no one is left behind.
A state service for the much-loved larrikin Catholic priest was held on Friday, May 5. Hundreds of mourners, including federal Minister Bill Shorten, Victorian Opposition Leader John Pesutto and underworld figure Mick Gatto filed into St Patrick's Cathedral in Melbourne for the service.
Prior to the mass starting, Aunty Di Kerr performed a Welcome to Country and told the crowd Fr Bob respected everybody, regardless of where they came from.
"He always had that cheeky smile, he always said something to make you laugh. He was true. He spoke the truth," she said.
Father Bob's family, broadcaster John Safran, The Bob Maguire Foundation and Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews provided tributes, and Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli led the service.
The Catholic priest and charity campaigner first became known for his work with disadvantaged people in his South Melbourne parish from the 1970s before appearing in national media alongside Safran from 2004.
He balanced media commitments with his parish duties until he was forced to retire from the Catholic Church in 2012.
Father Bob was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in 1989 for services to youth homelessness and was named Victorian of the Year in 2011.
He died at Cabrini Hospital in Melbourne on April 19, aged 88.
To download / stream 'Father Bob Maguire' digitally, click here
With AAP
