With a heavy heart, I inform you of the death of our brother and friend, Father Stephen Dubovsky SDB, at Corpus Christi Aged Care Facility in Victoria at 6:45 am on Tuesday, 1st August, 2023. Fr Stephen was 92 years of age, a professed son of Don Bosco for 75 years, and a dedicated missionary priest of the Catholic Church for 64 years.
Born in 1930 Radosovce, Slovakia, Stephen joined the Salesians in Italy in 1946 and made his first profession as a Salesian into the hands of Fr Bokor on 16th August 1948. Subsequently, he made perpetual profession on 14th August 1955 after philosophical studies and tirocinium. Stephen was then sent to Melchet Court, Great Britain to undertake theological studies from 1955 to 1959.
Following his priestly ordination on 5th July 1959, Stephen was sent to Glenorchy, Tasmania in Australia as a missionary. He wasted no time, and was never a man of idleness. Since arrival, Stephen has taught at a number of different Salesian schools across the province. He was also a member of the formation community in Lysterfield for many years. He took up a position of Assistant Parish Priest in Katherine, NT to serve the needs of the Aboriginal communities from 1994-2000, after 5 years of missionary services in Samoa.
Throughout his life in Australia, Stephen had a soft spot for his Slovak communities situated in different cities, and fulfilled their spiritual needs to the best of his time and abilities.
Being a humble and highly intelligent man, Stephen was always ready to do anything for the good of others.
Stephen was a member of the Salesian community in Chadstone until his move to Corpus Christi Aged Care Facility in Clayton a few weeks ago.
He enjoyed care and attention at Corpus Christi until he was called by the good Lord this morning.
Both Fr Joe Binh and I were able to accompany Stephen in his final moments yesterday afternoon.
Eternal rest grant unto Fr Stephen O Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul rest in peace, amen!
Requiem Mass for Fr Stephen Dubovsky SDB will take place at the Salesian College Sunbury Chapel on Tuesday, August 8, 2023 at 1.30pm.
Following the Mass, the Burial Service will take place at the Salesian Cemetery in the college grounds.
In the risen Lord,
Fr Will Matthews SDB
Provincial
Salesians of Don Bosco
