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 Francis (Frank) Burke, died 16 Sep 2001

Born at Gowrie Junction on 3rd September, 1924, Fr Burke was the second youngest of eleven children to Jim and Anna (Molly) Burke (nee Brady). His early education was at Gowrie Junction and Biddeston State Schools. As a young boy he would ride a pony to school after milking the cows and doing other tasks about the farm. He attended St Mary's CBC in Toowoomba and completed his secondary education at Downlands College. He was part of the College in its exodus to Dalby in the war years (1942-45). At College he represented the school in First XIII and excelled in History. He was a student there in the time of John Doyle as principal, (later bishop of Sidea, PNG) and John O'Loughlin (later Bishop of Darwin) was studies Master.
Upon leaving school he entered Pius XII Provincial Seminary at Banyo, encouraged by his older brother, Fr Dominic Burke. An older sister, Mary, also joined religious life as a Sister of Mercy. Classmates at the Seminary included Fr Pat Campbell, Fr Ralph Underwood, Fr John Bergin and Fr Frank Leonard, with whom he enjoyed many games of golf over the years. Fr Burke was an excellent golfer, once winning the Gavin Wald Cup with a Score of 65. Fr Burke was ordained in St Patrick's Cathedral on 25th July, 1949, by Bishop Basil J Roper. His first appointment was to St George in 1950, followed by Dalby (1951-53); Roma (1953-55); Quilpie as ADM (1955); Chinchilla (1955-57); Stanthorpe as Assistant (1957-62); Holy Name (1962-65); Taroom/Wandoan as PP (1965-71); Oakey as PP (1971-80) and lastly to Our Lady of Lourdes, Newtown in 1980. He retired in 2000 but remained resident in the Newtown Parish. His talent for administration and building is evident in the Church at Taroom; the presbytery, 4 classrooms, preschool and Convent at Oakey; and the Church and additional wing at Our Lady of Lourdes. The completion of the present Our Lady of Lourdes Church, which was opened debt free, testifies to his business acumen. Fr Burke's commitment to visitation of his parishioners was well known and even in retirement, he continued the weekday 10am Masses and a Sunday Mass. Fr Burke was an extremely well read person. He was a man who had very clear theological conviction, and complete commitment to the service of his people. Fr Burke served under four Bishops with committed loyalty, but this never at any time prevented him voicing opinions that he regarded as essential to Catholic orthodoxy. A very private person, he was best known to those who had experienced hardships or problems. His sincerity and quiet consideration for those experiencing difficulties endeared him to many and earned him profound respect. Fr Burke died at Lourdes Home after a short illness. His life was celebrated in a Requiem Mass held at St Patrick's Cathedral on 20th September. He is buried in the Toowoomba Garden of Remembrance.
(Ref Dioc. Archives and Fr Vince Carroll MSC Downlands College)

Reproduced by permission of Bishop Ken Howell.