Prayer Calendar: Deceased Priests who have ministered the Catholic Faith throughout Toowoomba and districts, 1864–2025, Compiled by Annie Carrett, Diocesan Archivist, 2001, Updated by Gabrielle Saide, Diocesan Archivist, 2023:
Rev Bernard Joseph (Bernie) Kane, died 13 Mar 2011

Bernard Joseph Kane was born in Roma on 25th January 1922, the only child of John Joseph and Isabelle Mary Kane (nee Wilson). His father worked on the railways and his early education took place at St John's Convent and De La Salle Brothers in Roma. He continued his secondary education with the Christian Brothers at St Mary's College, Toowoomba.
On leaving school he became an apprentice cabinet maker.
The family moved to Toowoomba and one evening Bernie visited the Cathedral, where the coffin of Fr John Concannon was displayed. He felt called to replace Fr John and Bishop Roper accepted him to study for the priesthood and he joined the 19 Toowoomba students of Banyo's 56 first day students in 1941.
He completed his secondary school education at the seminary and then continued on with his studies for the priesthood. These lads found the regulated and disciplined regime a tough change from home. However, they knuckled down, determined to do their best.
Bernie took his studies in his stride helped, no doubt, by his photographic memory. Not only could he remember the quote, but also the page, and its position on the page. Bernie was no mean cricketer and under Vince Cleary, the Rector, cricket was part of the seminary culture. Bernie became a hero – he bowled out Bill Brown, the famous Australian Test opener! An actor, he starred in many productions. He also held the prestigious post of sacristan.
He was ordained in St Patrick's Cathedral on 30th June 1951 by Bishop Basil Roper during a Pontifical High Mass, the only time one has been used at an ordination in St Patrick's Cathedral.
All Fr Kane's priestly life was spent in parish ministry. His first assignment was as assistant priest to Fr Stan Skehan at St George. His trip nearly ended in disaster, when his car ran off the road into the scrub. Fr Kane never achieved the status of a good driver!
Fr Kane was a humble and dedicated priest, completely committed to whatever task he was assigned to. He was proud of his priesthood and extremely obedient and loyal to his Bishops. Some of his endearing qualities were his openness of heart and spirit and his wisdom.
In the days before Catechists he took charge of instructions in state schools. He was a frequent visitor to classrooms in Catholic schools.
No matter what parish Fr Kane ministered in, he visited every home in the parish. Even when working in a parish as a relief priest he conducted a mission during each assignment, visiting every home, drawing up a census and leaving a report for the pastor.
Fr Kane was a great visitor with his memory a strong pastoral aid. He could remember every family's name, the wife's maiden name, the street address and often the phone number.
He was a competent chaplain to the Y.C.W., the N.C.G.M. and the Legion of Mary and spent some years as the Diocesan Chaplain to these movements. His sermons sometimes exceeded the congregation's concentration span!
A genuine pastor, he was compassionate with the sick and the dying, and comforting to the bereaved. A very prayerful person, he was faithful to his daily Mass and Office. The Sodalities enjoyed his strong support.
In 1984 Fr Kane took part in the three months Clergy Renewal Course at St Peter's Centre in Canberra. He kept in touch with Bishop Kelly on a regular basis whilst taking part in this course.
Fr Kane had no siblings, and was very devoted to his father and mother, who lived to a great age. He had a wide network of friends, with whom he kept in touch. He married them, baptized their children, officiated at their funerals and was a tireless visitor to their homes. In May 2001, he announced his intention of celebrating his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood and of inviting a few friends, 800 people packed the Cathedral – such was his popularity and his following. He was truly a Peoples' Priest.
Fr Kane was also a Priests' Priest. He loved the priesthood and priests. He never missed a gathering, and always offered the hospitality of his home. Confreres who worked with him, found him a team man, never competitive, always affirming and supportive.
In 1997 Bernie stepped back from parish administration and retired. He never retired from priestly ministry, and was constantly at the beck and call of priests seeking a supply. He never said no. In 2004 he was the commentator for a bus load of priests travelling to Roma for a National Conference of Clergy. Everyone enjoyed his stories. He lived in Wallangarra for some time after retirement. He later moved to Lourdes Home, where he was always ministering to his fellow residents.
In 2006 Fr Kane had a stroke from which he only partially recovered. With the help of his fellow priests he continued to enjoy the Monday lunch meetings at St Patrick's Cathedral.
Fr Kane died peacefully at Lourdes Home on 13th March 2011, aged 89. His requiem Mass, held in St Patrick's Cathedral on 18th March was concelebrated by Bishop William Morris, Archbishop John Bathersby and 30 priests from Toowoomba and Brisbane.

Reproduced by permission of Bishop Ken Howell.