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Frank Moloney, SDB, AM (March 23 1940 – November 8 2025, was a prodigious figure in the ‘Golden Age’ of theology in Australia as Brendan Byrne, SJ, says in his ‘Words of Remembrance’ at the Requiem Mass in November 2025. That ‘Golden Age’, where some male religious were sent overseas for higher studies, includes the likes also of Brendan Byrne, SJ, Anthony (Tony) Campbell, SJ, Anthony (Tony) Kelly, CSsR, Austin Cooper, OMI and many others who taught a whole generation of those who are in leading positions in Catholic theological institutions around the Australian today. It was Frank himself who referred to the end of this age coming soon at the time of the death of Tony Kelly, CSsR in March 2024.
This volume of essays in honour of Frank, brings together pieces that were said at the time of his death, at his Requiem Mass and Funeral service and some other pieces written since, and written especially for this publication. The pieces speak for themselves of the respect, admiration and high regard that he was held and still is held, as a Salesian, teacher, mentor, author, colleague and friend by many people both here and overseas due to the roles he held over time.
‘Thinking of Fr Frank Moloney, three aspects particularly come to mind: Frank the friend; Frank the scholar; Frank the Salesian priest at the service of the Church. It is not possible, however, to move across those three aspects in order, one after an another. They so interact with each other as to resemble rather the three points of a triangle, constantly in relationship.’ Brendan Byrne, SJ
‘Frank had that rare capacity to write at the highest academic level and at a more popular level that ordinary folk could understand. He became a successor to Raymond Brown in Catholic circles, and was highly regarded across the breadth of New Testament scholarship.’ Dorothy Lee
‘Frank encouraged his students to go on with their studies, and particularly he gave strong support to women. Along with all the academic demands on
him, Frank was available to parishes and religious groups around Australia, providing further theological education; for Frank, as a true Salesians, was
first and foremost a great teacher with the ability to make complex ideas understandable, even to those with no prior theology. His down-to-earth Australian language and humour helped him disclose the riches of the Scriptures.’ Mary Coloe, PBVM
About the editor
Hilary D Regan has been the Publisher of ATF Press Publishing Group for over 30 years and is editor of various of the ATF Press journals and books. He has a background in Systematic Theology.
