‘Unwavering fidelity’: Papal awards conferred on two long-standing servants of the Diocese of Parramatta

Bishop Vincent Long presented the Cross Pro Ecclesia et Pontifice to Father John O’Neill on October 14 at O’Neill’s home in Baulkham Hills. Pope Leo XIV granted the award to recognize long-standing and distinguished service to the Church.

Father O’Neill was ordained to the priesthood in 1962 and served various parishes in the Archdiocese of Sydney before becoming the parish priest at Doonside in 1983. He served the Doonside Parish for 42 years until his retirement in December 2025.