Upon hearing of the death of the Rt Rev Vincent Malone, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Liverpool and Titular Bishop of Abora, on Monday 18th May, Cardinal Vincent Nichols remembered with the 'endless patience,' 'unfailing courtesy' and kindness of Bishop Vincent and prayed for the repose of his soul.
The Cardinal said: 'As a fairly young priest I was sent to live for a few years at the Clergy House of the Metropolitan Cathedral in Liverpool. Mgr Vincent Malone was in charge. Above all I remember his endless patience to get right every aspect of the work of the Cathedral; his unfailing courtesy with every person he met, even those who were occasionally very difficult; his kindness to those in need who came to the door. He had a gentle rebuke for those who acted precipitously and a readiness himself to make amends. He offered warm hospitality without ever being ostentatious and a quiet witty conversation. He was a lovely man to be with.
'He served the Archdiocese unfailingly and the Bishops' Conference of England and Wales, especially in our ministry in universities, in which he had considerable experience.
'We will miss him. We pray that he is received by our Heavenly Father with loving mercy and that he can look down upon us with an affectionate smile as he sees us still struggle to do our best. His service, his struggle is over. May he rest in peace and rise in glory.'
Bishop Vincent trained for the priesthood at St Joseph's College, Upholland, and was ordained priest at St Oswald's Church, Old Swan, Liverpool on 18th September 1955. After a number of years spent in the teaching profession, mainly at Cardinal Allen Grammar School, Liverpool, he became chaplain to the University of Liverpool in 1971 and then Administrator of the Metropolitan Cathedral of Christ the King in 1979.
On 13th May 1989 he was named as Titular Bishop of Abora and Auxiliary Bishop of Liverpool, and received episcopal consecration the following 3 July. His resignation as Auxiliary Bishop was accepted on 26th October 2006, shortly after his 75th birthday, but he continued in his roles as Vicar General and Trustee of the Archdiocese until last year and as Canon of the Metropolitan Cathedral Chapter until his death.
