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 Michael Francis (Frank) Leonard, died 17 Nov 2006

Michael Francis Leonard was born on 20th November 1924 at Warwick one of nine children to William Vincent Leonard and Honor Ryan.
His primary school education took place at the Rodgers Creek State School and his secondary education at the Christian Brothers College in Warwick.
He completed his secondary education at Pius XII Seminary Banyo and continued on with his priestly studies.
Fr Frank was ordained on 26th July 1949 in St Mary's Church, Warwick by Bishop Basil Roper.
His first appointment was as Assistant Priest at St Patrick's Cathedral in 1950.
In 1951 he was appointed to West Toowoomba, Our Lady of Lourdes and St Anthony's and then back to St Patrick's Cathedral in 1953 where he remained as Assistant Priest until 1958.
He was Administrator at Killarney in 1958 and 1959. In May 1959 Fr Frank was appointed Parish Priest at Taroom where he remained until September 1964 when he was transferred to Wallangarra. July 1974 saw him as Parish Priest in Goondiwindi and in November 1979 he commenced duties as Parish priest at St Thomas More's in South Toowoomba where he remained until his retirement at the end of 1999, when he subsequently went to live at Lourdes Home in Vianney Village.
From his early days in the priesthood Fr Frank was a man of vision always eager to update his knowledge on church issues as well as enrich his relationship with God. His relationship with God was important to him and he never took it for granted and even recently undertook a private Retreat with his Spiritual Director.
Fr Frank embraced and supported the changes of the Second Vatican Councils and was passionate about putting them into place in the parishes where he was stationed. He not only supported but eagerly participated in the changes and this was evident through his involvement with the Cursillo Movement.
He implemented the RCIA in St Thomas More's parish and supported this process with great enthusiasm.
As Parish priest he empowered his parishioners to take responsibility in the pastoral running of the parish through organizations.
Other offices he held during his active priestly life were on the Diocesan Council of Education from 1980 to 1983. He was a member of the Queensland Council of Education from 1983 to 1986.
He was a member of the Senate of Priests after the Second Vatican Council.
He served two terms on the Council of Priests from 1983 to 1985 and from 1988 to 1992.
Fr Frank was also involved in the Team Ministry of Priests in 1986.
One of the major tasks undertaken by Fr Frank during his term as Parish Priest at St Thomas More's was the building of the new church. A great deal of consultation and discussion took place before the final decision to build the church on its present site. The church was blessed and opened on 3rd November 1991.
Because of illness he did not relieve in parishes during his retirement.
He loved his family and visited them regularly and always celebrated Mass for them.
The deaths of his twin sister in Taroom and his brother Maurice had a marked effect on Fr Frank.
He maintained a deep and loving relationship with God until he was called home to God on 17th November 2006.

Reproduced by permission of Bishop Ken Howell.