Forbes. Presentation to Rev. J. Sexton, Adm., Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 19 August 1920, p 17, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article115600722:

The Forbes Town Hall was crowded on Wednesday night, when a farewell conversazione was held and the presentation of a cheque for £300 made to Rev. Father Sexton, who is taking a trip to Ireland for the benefit of his health.

Rev. Father Fitzpatrick presided, and the following visiting priests were present:—Very Rev. Dean Hughes, V.F. (Cobar), Revs. W. T. Brosnan ( Orange ) , J. Norton (Bathurst), C. Griffin (Nyngan), M. Heath (Peak Hill), J. Brennan (Narromine), D. Hennessey (Trundle), V. Cummins (Parkes), and T. Fox (Broken Hill). A magnificent musical programme was submitted and thoroughly enjoyed by the large assemblage. During the interval the presentation was made.

Father Fitzpatrick read the following telegram received from Mgr. Killian, V.G., Administrator of Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese: "Unable to be present; convey my sincere regrets to the meeting and thanks for their magnificent generosity to Father Sexton." He also read apologies from Rev. Father C. J. Casey (Oberon, formerly of Forbes), Rev. Father T. Lynch (Goolagong), Mr. M. Flannery, M.L.A., and Mr. A. J. Reymond.

Father Fitzpatrick said that night's function was an expression of esteem for one who had worked in their midst and was stricken with sickness even to death's door. In fact, they all thought that Father Sexton would now be listening to very different music than he heard to-night. This splendid function spoke volumes for the generosity and wonderful spirit of the parishioners of Forbes, and a magnificent testimony it bore to the guest of honor. Having taken Father Sexton's place, he certainly was in a position to testify to the great work Father Sexton had done in the parish spiritually and materially. He had been most agreeably surprised at the great progress that had taken place in the parish in matters Catholic during Father Sexton's short term of office. Spiritually, he need say no more than that Forbes undoubtedly is the equal of any parish. Materially, every function undertaken by Father Sexton had been a great success. In a couple of months over £300 had been paid off the debt, and now to-night's function further showed the wisdom of the Holy See in raising Forbes to the dignity of an Episcopal Seat. He then spoke feelingly of Father Sexton's sterling qualities. His associations with Father Sexton had brought back to his mind the motto engraved on the walls of the College from which he had graduated to the priesthood, St. Patrick's College, Manly. The motto was in Latin, "Omnia Omnibus," which meant "All things to all men." It was the motto of the greatest ecclesiastic that had been in New South Wales, Cardinal Moran; it is the motto of the greatest ecclesiastic Australia had ever known, Archbishop Mannix; in fact, the events of the last few days showed that the greatest man of the present century was Dr. Mannix—at any rate, of the British Empire. Undoubtedly the greatest triumph that he had ever achieved was that which had just taken place a couple of days ago, described by himself as "The greatest naval victory since Jutland." He was digressing, but to get back to the point he must say Father Sexton was a great exemplar of that motto; he lived up to it, he was all things to all men.

Very Rev. Dean Hughes, with whom Father Sexton had worked as an assistant, spoke in glowing terms of his zeal and labor in organising and advancing the holy faith. Father Sexton was first and foremost and always a priest; a model to even those who had grown old in the service. He was delighted and surprised with their marvellous entertainment of that evening, and he appreciated their great kindness and generosity to Father Sexton. He hoped Father Sexton would regain his health during his trip to Ireland. No doubt his meeting his venerable mother would go a long way towards helping him to regain his proper health.

The Mayor, Alderman Facey, Mr. Flannery, Mr. Darcy, Rev. Father Brosnan also extended their best wishes to the guest of the evening.

Mr. D. J. Moloney, on behalf of the parishioners, presented Father Sexton with a wallet containing a cheque for £300 as a recognition of his great work amongst them. He hoped the trip and rest would completely restore Father Sexton to health. He hoped, too, that the clouds of sadness over Ireland at the present time would soon be lifted, and that Father Sexton would witness it.

The Rev. Father Sexton had a magnificent reception on rising to respond, and thanked the people warmly for their kindnesses and their splendid present that evening. The constant inquiries made concerning him while he was in the hospital, and their pleasure when he took a turn for the better, were evidences of their kindness and regard. Eight years ago he had come to Australia knowing little about Australia or Australians. Although for portion of that time his work took him out back, he had learned to love Australia, for he had enjoyed freedom in its truest sense since his arrival here. For twenty-four years of his life he never knew what freedom was, but he found it in Australia. Before his return to Australia he hoped to be able to send a message that the land of his birth had gained her freedom. He hoped to return to Australia and to Forbes after spending a few months in the old country. He warmly thanked the people of Forbes for their splendid gift and also for their kindness to him since he came amongst them. (Applause.)

After the presentation refreshments were served, during which the second part of the programme was carried out.

From every point of view the function was undoubtedly unique in the history of Forbes—financially, socially and musically. There was a wonderfully large attendance, for despite the inclemency of the weather the hall was packed. Moreover, the attendance of so many priests from such distant parts in a big measure accentuated the success of the function.

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Father Sexton Farewelled by the Parishioners of Forbes. A Handsome Presentation, Freeman's Journal, Sydney, 25 February 1926, p 9, http://nla.gov.au/nla.news-article116756188:

Many fine tributes were paid to the work and worth of the Rev. Father Sexton at the farewell gathering in the Forbes Town Hall the other evening. Father Sexton has been transferred to Trundle, and he was not allowed to depart without a substantial mark of appreciation from the parishioners. The Town Hall was literally packed, and many who could not find seating accommodation availed themselves of the spaces in the court yard. It was a very representative gathering, including members of all denominations from near and far.

[...]

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Death of Popular NSW Parish Priest, Catholic Leader, Brisbane, 26 January 1967, p 5:

Sydney.—Monsignor John Sexton, B.A., parish priest of Nyngan, who died recently aged 80, had been in ill health for some time.

For the past 35 years Monsignor Sexton had been parish priest of Nyngan, and previous to his last appointment had served in the parishes of Trundle, Forbes, Bourke, Hillston and Cobar.

An indefatigable worker, he had been known far and wide as a kindly and zealous pastor who was revered and respected by all sections of the community.

Monsignor Sexton was born in County Clare, Ireland, in 1887, and was ordained in All Hallows College, Dublin, in 1912 for the Diocese of Wilcannia.

In 1954 he was created a Domestic Prelate by Pope Pius XII, and in 1962 he celebrated his Golden Jubilee of Priesthood.

Monsignor Sexton was a Diocesan Consultor and Vicar Forane of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes.

The Requiem Mass was said by his nephew, Father J. Shannon of Nyngan, in the parish church of St. Patrick.

Bishop Brennan of Toowoomba presided at the Mass and Bishop D. Warren, Auxiliary Bishop to Bishop T. Fox of Wilcannia-Forbes, read the Absolution and officiated at the graveside.

Also present were more than 40 clergy from the Dioceses of Wilcannia-Forbes and Bathurst, [...]

Monsignor Sexton is survived by four sisters and a brother, Katie (Mrs. Williams), Maureen (Mrs. Moore), Briget (Mrs. Shannon), Margaret (Mrs. Saunders) and Patrick.

Two sisters predeceased him, Sister Juliana of the Sisters of Mercy, Callan, Co. Kilkenny,, Ireland, and Aileen (Mrs. Cronin).—R.I.P.