Vincent Bernard (Bernie) Dwyer
23rd August 1930 – 2nd April 2010

Bernie was born in Wagin, the tenth of eleven children, and after completing his education at age 14, went to work on the Railways. At 18 he entered the seminary in Guildford and faced the unpleasant prospect of learning Latin and getting his Leaving Certificate. He persevered, and after three years philosophy at St Charles Seminary and four years of theology in Manly, became the first priest to be ordained for the newly created Diocese of Bunbury.

Bernie was blessed by the fact that he was not a scholarly type and shunned the niceties of philosophy and theology. His spiritual life was based on scripture and on the humanity of Jesus whom he loved as a person and he wanted to share this with all people – catholic or not.

Highlights of Bernie’s ministry were being involved with YCW groups which provided parish leaders, men and women, for a couple of generations and the new apostolate in WA, Marriage Encounter.

However, like Kent in Shakespeare’s King Lear, “He had a journey shortly for to go, his master called and he must not say no.” Like the master he served, Bernie died on Good Friday to await in hope a glorious resurrection. May he rest in peace.