It is with great sadness that we inform you of the passing to the Lord of Fr Frank Moloney SDB AM FAHA STL PhD (Oxon).
Born in Moonee Ponds, Fr Frank was one of four children to the late Denis and Mary Moloney. Educated by the Christian Brothers at St Bernard’s College, he was formed all his adult life by the Salesians of Don Bosco. A lover of sport and a former district cricketer, Fr Frank first taught at Salesian College Rupertswood in the 1960s as a scholastic and was ordained there in 1970.
Fr Frank also spent time at Salesian College Chadstone, serving as community Rector and key lecturer at the formation house on the Oakleigh hill. His time at Chadstone was marked by his wisdom, warmth and deep commitment to guiding young Salesians and students.
Fr Frank went on to achieve worldwide academic renown as a leading authority on St John. Over his career, he served as Professor of New Testament at Catholic Theological College (1976–1994), Visiting Professor at the École Biblique in Jerusalem (1993–1994), Foundation Professor of Theology at Australian Catholic University (1994–1999), and Dean and Professor of New Testament at The Catholic University of America (1999–2005). He later held the Katherine Drexel Chair of Religious Studies at the Catholic University of America, and most recently was Emeritus Professor in New Testament Theology at ACU and Senior Professorial Fellow at Catholic Theological College in the University of Divinity, Melbourne.
Appointed by Pope John Paul II, Fr Frank was the only Australian to serve three terms on the International Theological Commission to the Holy See, contributing to the life and thought of the universal Church for more than 18 years.
As Provincial of the Salesians of Don Bosco (2006–2011), Fr Frank guided his beloved congregation with wisdom, faith and compassion. In his later years, he continued to serve as Rector at Sunbury, where he faced his illness with courage, grace and unwavering faith.
Fr Frank Moloney has had an extraordinary impact on Catholic and Salesian communities in Australia and across the globe. His scholarship, leadership and humanity have left an enduring legacy that will continue to inspire generations to come.
Funeral details for Fr Frank Moloney will be shared once confirmed.
“Eternal Rest grant unto Fr. Frank Moloney O Lord and let perpetually light shine upon him. May his soul, through the mercy of God, rest in peace. Amen.”
