WARREN Mossfield has been remembered as a Catholic priest who was a vital cog in the parishes in which he served.
Reverend Father Mossfield died aged 78 on December 28, nine days before the 50th anniversary of his ordination as a priest by Pope John Paul VI on January 6, 1966.
Priests from around the Wagga Diocese joined with Fr Mossfield’s family, former parishioners and seminary classmates on Thursday to celebrate his life at a Pontifical Mass of Christian Burial in St Michael’s Cathedral.
“We commend to the Lord in mercy the soul of our brother, Warren Mossfield,” said Bishop Gerard Hanna, who was principal celebrant with retired archbishop, Francis Carroll.
In his eulogy, Frank Mossfield spoke of his brother’s love of family and sports talents, including rugby league and cricket.
“Our memory of Warren is of very many happy times,” Mr Mossfield said.
Fr Mossfield served in 10 parishes in the Wagga Diocese, including South Wagga, Griffith, Tarcutta, Albury and Jerilderie from 1967.
He also served in Townsville between 1975 and 1978 and at the Vianney College seminary in Wagga between 1998 and 2001.
His last appointment was at Holbrook, between 2004 and 2007.
Born at Annandale in Sydney, Fr Mossfield’s first job after leaving school was in the Valuer-General’s Department in Albury and it was there that he decided to enter the priesthood.
Frank Mossfield recalled his brother’s love of sport and told a story about how the two of them liked to attend one cricket Test a year together.
A former politician, Mr Mossfield said the two were at a match in which Shane Warne was approaching his 300th Test wicket.
But Mr Mossfield had to attend a political meeting and dragged his brother away from the match and the big moment in cricket history.
“I don’t think he was very pleased,” Mr Mossfield said.
