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Father Bob: The Larrikin Priest
Father Bob Maguire is a man of passion, creativity and humour; he is part Billy Connolly, part angry Old Testament prophet and part compassionate Mother Theresa (he would hate this categorisation). But he has a unique combination of traits and in each he is a risk taker. He is an elusive chameleon, a man of brilliant riddles. His life story has not been told – or rather, he has told it in random pieces, for people to put together like a jigsaw puzzle. Sue Williams is the first person to attempt to capture his whole story. For 39 years, Father Bob was parish priest of Sts Peter and Paul church in South Melbourne, until his boss forced him to retire. From this base, and through his foundation, he worked, hands on, with the homeless, sick, criminal and addicted. He has had successes and failures. In his own words, Father Bob sees his work as a 'life-long attempt to empower teens, twenty-somethings and even children to be their unique selves ... unique...
277 pages, Kindle Edition
First published April 24, 2013
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
March 15, 2014
I don't read a lot of biography-but this was on my list for a long time. He's my sort of guy - intelligent, reflective, curious - and able to act out of a deep compassion and empathy for the less fortunate in our midst. He's also got a great sense of humour, rat cunning, and the ability to cut through the cant and hypocrisy of the Catholic Church hierarchy.
George Pell and Dennis Hart got him in the end - and what for? Issues of power and control? Giving too much money away to the sick, the poor and the needy? No - what they can't stand is that he is loved, despite his flaws. Amen to that.
George Pell and Dennis Hart got him in the end - and what for? Issues of power and control? Giving too much money away to the sick, the poor and the needy? No - what they can't stand is that he is loved, despite his flaws. Amen to that.
July 31, 2024
When I decided to borrow this book at my local library, I was both wary and curious. I confess: I harbour a certain dislike towards the overtly progressive "social gospel" Christians. Or, if dislike isn't quite the right word, perhaps "distrust" would do better. When you look at many of the things they say, the things they write, you can't help but feel a strong suspicion they do not actually believe in even the most fundamental aspects of Christianity - i.e. the Resurrection, the divinity of Christ. Do they not really just see him as that great and influential, albeit merely human figure who said some very wise things, maybe died on the cross and inadvertently paved the way for a spiritual conservative movement and the most overrated musical of all time?
Father Bob was one of these through and through, and there is little denying that he - and all his kind - does a far greater job in practically living out the teachings of Christ. That is, I fear, the rub of it. I don't love the Christian Left because, despite their many excesses, they are very probably right, and their relative minority status explains much to why Christianity is so unpopular in modern secular societies.
Father Bob is a great and admirable man. He did so much important work, living out his faith and the imperative to "love thy neighbour". He was also very valuable to the Church, in that he was a rare example of a Catholic priest largely adored by those who would never dream of attending Mass aside from an occasional friend's wedding or funeral. Naturally, though, his outreach and popularity came somewhat at the expense of making a mockery of the traditions and rituals, the doctrines and Sacraments of his Church. He was truly the human embodiment of Vatican II, for better or worse.
I think people like him are sorely needed. He was not treated all that well by his superiors - that always simplistically vilified " CATHOLIC HIERARCHY!!!!" - and that is a great shame, and a bad reflection on the Church in an age where its image has already suffered profoundly. Nevertheless, I couldn't quite fall in love with him - or this occasionally dull book - as much as some others apparently can.
Father Bob was one of these through and through, and there is little denying that he - and all his kind - does a far greater job in practically living out the teachings of Christ. That is, I fear, the rub of it. I don't love the Christian Left because, despite their many excesses, they are very probably right, and their relative minority status explains much to why Christianity is so unpopular in modern secular societies.
Father Bob is a great and admirable man. He did so much important work, living out his faith and the imperative to "love thy neighbour". He was also very valuable to the Church, in that he was a rare example of a Catholic priest largely adored by those who would never dream of attending Mass aside from an occasional friend's wedding or funeral. Naturally, though, his outreach and popularity came somewhat at the expense of making a mockery of the traditions and rituals, the doctrines and Sacraments of his Church. He was truly the human embodiment of Vatican II, for better or worse.
I think people like him are sorely needed. He was not treated all that well by his superiors - that always simplistically vilified " CATHOLIC HIERARCHY!!!!" - and that is a great shame, and a bad reflection on the Church in an age where its image has already suffered profoundly. Nevertheless, I couldn't quite fall in love with him - or this occasionally dull book - as much as some others apparently can.
November 11, 2017
I, like many other secular Australians, admire Father Bob and the way he lives his faith and stands so strong in his work of helping his fellow beings. I looked forward to reading this book, I learned a lot of background information about the man and his work and that has if anything increased my respect for him.
But, from this readers point of view, is a book that requires a bit of effort to stick with. It is definitely a long winded and seems to repeat sections in a bit of a muddle in the central part of the book.
I very nearly gave up just after the halfway mark. But I am glad I saw it through as the early life and beginnings of his work are fascinating and the final section well worth sticking for.
Interesting yes, would I recommend it to friends, maybe.
But, from this readers point of view, is a book that requires a bit of effort to stick with. It is definitely a long winded and seems to repeat sections in a bit of a muddle in the central part of the book.
I very nearly gave up just after the halfway mark. But I am glad I saw it through as the early life and beginnings of his work are fascinating and the final section well worth sticking for.
Interesting yes, would I recommend it to friends, maybe.
January 4, 2015
These are strange and interesting times for the Catholic church, with the words “Catholic priest” synonymous with pedophilia and an old-world dislocation from real people. Likewise these are strange and interesting times for Australia, when the concept of using money to draw the most social, rather than financial, benefit has become considered the height of economic mismanagement and requires the conservative hierarchy to rectify the situation.
And few things personify what is happening quite like the story of Father Bob Maguire. His is a quintessentially Australian story, coming from an impoverished background to become a well-known celebrity today. There’s few things us Australians love more than a larrikin underdog fighting against a stuffy authority.
I am more in awe of Bob having read about his upbringing and background, as I am amazed at his modernity and acceptance of the worldly issues of young people today given he has lived within the institution of the Catholic church for his whole adult life. (In one section of the book he described how during his years in the seminary he didn’t so much as read a newspaper.)
Reading this book you might learn a thing or two about the Catholic church in Australia, especially its journey through the bedrock-shaking phenomenon of Vatican II. I almost wonder if we’re about to enter “Vatican III” – it is somewhat sad that a priest (and now a pope) that demands the return to Christian values of selflessness and charity, the dissemination of church assets to alleviate poverty and the modernisation of the church’s standpoint on issues such as contraception is seen as the height of anti-establishment defiance.
(My father was an Anglican lay-reader who had a similar modern approach, including preaching a sermon about the suicide of Kurt Cobain and wearing a Pearl Jam t-shirts in the pulpit. He was later kicked out for preaching in support of Indigenous people over the Hindmarsh Island affair, in turn reflecting that the high court’s demands to produce tangible evidence of their faith would be just as difficult for fellow Anglicans.)
This is essentially a book to support Father Bob and his mission (with proceeds from the sale of the book going to his charity, so have a heart and buy this “properly” in a book shop.) I would assume most people would choose to read the book because they already know and support Father Bob and his work. Most people Sue Williams encountered obviously had good things to say about Bob – so at times this book descends into sycophancy. Yes there were the perspectives of those who were highly critical of Bob, but they were always framed within other perspectives that drowned these voices out. Partly this could be a reflection of the subject matter, but even Bob himself would probably be embarrassed to read the consistent praise throughout the book.
At times a quote from someone making a general reflection on “How Bob is” interrupted the narrative at the time. I recently read a book which included general reflections like this, but in the text they were presented as a quote in a separate box in the margin, or at the end of a chapter. I think this might have worked in this instance.
Really this all requires more than one book. I read this because I like Father Bob and his unique voice – and so I would have actually have preferred an autobiography because much as I wanted to hear more about him, I likewise wanted to hear more from him. (And with all due respect to Williams, Father Bob is much more engaging as a communicator.) However, Bob being Bob an autobiography or memoir would not have covered his background, merely addressing the various things he wishes us to know.
I also wonder if there would have been space to simply have a book about the various projects Bob founded, as although his own achievements and tireless energy are amazing, this is also the story of countless volunteers who have supported him and made his work possible. Throughout this book are brief glimpses at other inspirational people with their own incredible stories. In the end it’s almost ironic that a man who couldn’t literally be a father became the figurehead of an amazing and far-reaching “family.”
And few things personify what is happening quite like the story of Father Bob Maguire. His is a quintessentially Australian story, coming from an impoverished background to become a well-known celebrity today. There’s few things us Australians love more than a larrikin underdog fighting against a stuffy authority.
I am more in awe of Bob having read about his upbringing and background, as I am amazed at his modernity and acceptance of the worldly issues of young people today given he has lived within the institution of the Catholic church for his whole adult life. (In one section of the book he described how during his years in the seminary he didn’t so much as read a newspaper.)
Reading this book you might learn a thing or two about the Catholic church in Australia, especially its journey through the bedrock-shaking phenomenon of Vatican II. I almost wonder if we’re about to enter “Vatican III” – it is somewhat sad that a priest (and now a pope) that demands the return to Christian values of selflessness and charity, the dissemination of church assets to alleviate poverty and the modernisation of the church’s standpoint on issues such as contraception is seen as the height of anti-establishment defiance.
(My father was an Anglican lay-reader who had a similar modern approach, including preaching a sermon about the suicide of Kurt Cobain and wearing a Pearl Jam t-shirts in the pulpit. He was later kicked out for preaching in support of Indigenous people over the Hindmarsh Island affair, in turn reflecting that the high court’s demands to produce tangible evidence of their faith would be just as difficult for fellow Anglicans.)
This is essentially a book to support Father Bob and his mission (with proceeds from the sale of the book going to his charity, so have a heart and buy this “properly” in a book shop.) I would assume most people would choose to read the book because they already know and support Father Bob and his work. Most people Sue Williams encountered obviously had good things to say about Bob – so at times this book descends into sycophancy. Yes there were the perspectives of those who were highly critical of Bob, but they were always framed within other perspectives that drowned these voices out. Partly this could be a reflection of the subject matter, but even Bob himself would probably be embarrassed to read the consistent praise throughout the book.
At times a quote from someone making a general reflection on “How Bob is” interrupted the narrative at the time. I recently read a book which included general reflections like this, but in the text they were presented as a quote in a separate box in the margin, or at the end of a chapter. I think this might have worked in this instance.
Really this all requires more than one book. I read this because I like Father Bob and his unique voice – and so I would have actually have preferred an autobiography because much as I wanted to hear more about him, I likewise wanted to hear more from him. (And with all due respect to Williams, Father Bob is much more engaging as a communicator.) However, Bob being Bob an autobiography or memoir would not have covered his background, merely addressing the various things he wishes us to know.
I also wonder if there would have been space to simply have a book about the various projects Bob founded, as although his own achievements and tireless energy are amazing, this is also the story of countless volunteers who have supported him and made his work possible. Throughout this book are brief glimpses at other inspirational people with their own incredible stories. In the end it’s almost ironic that a man who couldn’t literally be a father became the figurehead of an amazing and far-reaching “family.”
September 14, 2013
Father Bob comes across as a committed, hard working man of the people whose humanity is never in question. He is a thorn in the side of the members of the conservative Catholic hierarchy, and they force him to leave his parish at age 77. This doesn’t seem too unreasonable, except that the parish is his life and all he wants.
It is a biography, not my normal read, and so comes across to me as a bit "one thing after another". I never felt it was a close look at Bob’s character, but a casual, if well researched, look at a man from another time and place who manages to connect with those in need. He probably would drive some people crazy but his schemes really work, in the most part, and he is not a man who, for all his big ego, is really interested in himself as a celebrity out of vanity, but as a means to raising fund to help the poor.
As a lapsed Catholic the backstabbing, use you up and cast you out methods of the church are no fresh revelation for me, but it does seem rather cruel, careless even, but then again, "toe the line" is a mantra of the church, and Bob struggled to do this...bit like Jesus.
It is a biography, not my normal read, and so comes across to me as a bit "one thing after another". I never felt it was a close look at Bob’s character, but a casual, if well researched, look at a man from another time and place who manages to connect with those in need. He probably would drive some people crazy but his schemes really work, in the most part, and he is not a man who, for all his big ego, is really interested in himself as a celebrity out of vanity, but as a means to raising fund to help the poor.
As a lapsed Catholic the backstabbing, use you up and cast you out methods of the church are no fresh revelation for me, but it does seem rather cruel, careless even, but then again, "toe the line" is a mantra of the church, and Bob struggled to do this...bit like Jesus.
June 10, 2013
Father Bob Maguire. An ordinary man, who grew up in less than nurturing circumstances to become a great advocate and supporter of the poor, homeless and disadvantaged. A man who was inspired by the teachings of the Catholic Church to do good and to help those in need and who fought much of the hierarchy of this same institution to do so. Sue Williams tells the story of how Father Bob came to be the man he is today. A man who considered people to be the priority of the Catholic Church, rather than position, wealth and ceremony. Heavily influenced by the Vatican II council, one which would have seen great change to the Catholic Church, had it not been crushed by the more conservative parties of the Church. Williams exposes Father Bob to be a man that considers other people before himself and tries uses his position, both in the Church and in the media, to benefit the poorer of our country. A man who ultimately was betrayed by his own Church and deemed not for service, officially because of his age but unofficially because he refused to toe the line and challenged authority, much like Jesus did himself. An easy read.
February 4, 2017
I think this was very well written.
As someone who followed his media career from afar in Brisbane I became a big fan of Bob's from when I first saw him on Safran Vs God.
I was also a loyal Sunday Night Safran listener. I think I listened to every podcast 3 times each!
He inspired me greatly. I even started to believe in 'faith' again.
I made sure that when I visited Melbourne in 2011 I went along to his mass at St Peter and Pauls. He inspired me to believe in people, faith and to 'do no harm'. To see Gods work in ACTION.
I think this is how Bob would have liked his biohraphy to be written. Yes he loved the showmanship of it all... but for good use.
Fr Bob made me feel disappointed that my Irish Mick forebears converted to Anglicanism...
The way the Romans treated him and forcing him to quit made me proud that they did!
Loved this book.
In Bob We Trust!
As someone who followed his media career from afar in Brisbane I became a big fan of Bob's from when I first saw him on Safran Vs God.
I was also a loyal Sunday Night Safran listener. I think I listened to every podcast 3 times each!
He inspired me greatly. I even started to believe in 'faith' again.
I made sure that when I visited Melbourne in 2011 I went along to his mass at St Peter and Pauls. He inspired me to believe in people, faith and to 'do no harm'. To see Gods work in ACTION.
I think this is how Bob would have liked his biohraphy to be written. Yes he loved the showmanship of it all... but for good use.
Fr Bob made me feel disappointed that my Irish Mick forebears converted to Anglicanism...
The way the Romans treated him and forcing him to quit made me proud that they did!
Loved this book.
In Bob We Trust!
January 10, 2014
I am a colossal fan of Father Bob and follower of his war cries aplenty. So I was eager to learn more about the man behind the mission as it were and leaped into this biography with high expectations. Unfortunately I found the style in which his often dramatic life is portrayed by Sue Williams a little bland and lack lustre and in stark comparison with the title character. It left me feeling a little underwhelmed although the life-story it was relaying was full of pepper and spice and completely engaging in its own right. Whilst I have not rated the book too highly, I would continue to rate Father Bob, 11 out of 10 and encourage everyone, regardless of creed, religious belief or circumstance to read it.
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August 18, 2016This is the life story of Father Bob Maguire - a rare behind-the-scenes look at the much-loved 'people's priest'. The enigmatic champion of the down-and-out was shaped by a lonely childhood in poor circumstances, an early priesthood that collided with the upheaval of Vatican 11 and working with the army during the Vietnam War. This is a lively portrait of the man behind the resilient social activist and popular media performer who refuses to be defeated by enforced retirement from the parish over which he presided for nearly forty years.
February 22, 2017
I love autobiographies more than biographies, but I had to make an exception for one about Father Bob, the loveable, hilarious, polarising priest of South Melbourne, who has a huge heart and a big mouth! In a way this actually works better as a biography because I doubt if Bob would have listed any of his good qualities, whereas many of the people quoted did. A great figure and an interesting life!
February 2, 2020
As much as I admire Father Bob for all his done in the community and for society, this book just did not connect with me.
July 18, 2023
Father Bob was such a brilliant person. This book was full of interesting information yet it was a hard slog to read. I started it years ago, then re-read the beginning to start again. Still took me over a month. Had to have breaks. It was so full of facts that it seemed to lack flow. I still learnt a lot though. Was interesting to read how the church treated him during is retirement. Catholic church is quite pathetic at times and frustrating how they treated one of their good guys.
September 27, 2019
A very inspirational & interesting story. The book was repetitive when quoting the public's perception. This became increasingly noticeable towards the end. The book is worth reading for those wanting to make a change in the world by breaking through the boundaries/traditions that we face in society. From a conceptual perspective, the boundaries can be difficult to break, e.g. environmental issues, poverty, injustice. Father Bob's methods aren't necessarily the 'right' way to go about making change, but they are 'a way', and I think that trying to understand the psychological elements underpinning his actions to be very useful.
July 23, 2013
What an interesting man he is, you can only admire someone who comes from such hard circumstances, but still finds compassion and a steady faith in both people and God. I enjoyed this book and the story of Father Bob's life. I always enjoyed his banter with John Safran, I like knowing more of his life. And thank him for being the person most of us are not. I hope he has found peace without his parish and beloved church. So nice to have a positive catholic experience for once, though George Pell is now more of a d$&@ in my view now than he ever was.
August 31, 2013
This was quite a good book. The story of Father Bob's early life was fascinating and well written. The book bogged down in the discussion about Father Bob's battle to remain in his role at South Melbourne after several decades of work. Lots of repetitive back and forth about people lauding him and the Church not budging. Could have said this much more succinctly. If not for this, I would have given the book another star. Worth a read if you're a Father Bob fan.
March 25, 2014
Honest and down-to-earth account of Father Bob's life. The man is an inspiration and has completely modelled his life on that of 'the founder of the firm,' Jesus. Father Bob gives and gives. Everything. With no thought of reward or return. It's a difficult choice for those of us with full bellies and comfy warm beds, but I think that, for him, there was never a conscious choice to make. He just sees what needs to be done, and does it.
July 17, 2014
Father Bob Mcguire is an icon and a beacon of Australian compassion. Sue Williams carefully documents his painful childhood, involvement in the army, the scandals in which he was embroiled, and other interesting titbits you might want to know. If you've any interest in the awkward juncture that the Catholic Church finds itself in Australia, or the problems Bob posed for the hierarchy, this is a good start. ** best matched with the film In Bob We Trust.
March 27, 2016
This book was this months read for our local bookclub. I don't usually read biographies, however I know of Father Bob from seeing him on tv during his fight to stay with the parish and beyond. I am not a huge fan of the Catholic Church (based on my own upbringing) so found it hard to read at times. It was interesting to read about his background and the way the church kicked him out unfairly. He's certainly one of a kind!
August 15, 2019
I'm not a religious person, but I have a lot of respect for the good that Father Bob has tried to achieve in the community. So when this book was picked recently by one of the book clubs I'm in, I was hesitant but willing to give it a go. Couldn't do it; the author might need a few pointers on how not to write a biography like it's an after school special. I gave up after the third time falling asleep in an attempt to get more than 20 pages in.
January 13, 2021
How could I not like this book?
A poor and lonely childhood sowed the seeds of empathy in this man and his ministry to the poor, marginalised and the oddball residents of Melbourne became his life's work.
Naturally the church hierarchy disapproved of his often publicity-seeking antics and his insistence on having homeless people living in the presbyter. They finally succeeded in getting rid of him by forcibly retiring him at age 75, though his work lives on despite that move.
A poor and lonely childhood sowed the seeds of empathy in this man and his ministry to the poor, marginalised and the oddball residents of Melbourne became his life's work.
Naturally the church hierarchy disapproved of his often publicity-seeking antics and his insistence on having homeless people living in the presbyter. They finally succeeded in getting rid of him by forcibly retiring him at age 75, though his work lives on despite that move.
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February 13, 2021What a man of God and His people ! This is a warts and all biography of an ordinary man who happens to be a priest living all the days of his life for the good of others less fortunate . The men of the Vatican should take notice of the leaves of this book, but alas, I think it is too late for them.
Sue Williams wrote this factual biography with the love and compassion denied to Fr. Bob by his church.
I found the book a bit long but it gave its subject the honour he deserves.
Sue Williams wrote this factual biography with the love and compassion denied to Fr. Bob by his church.
I found the book a bit long but it gave its subject the honour he deserves.
May 25, 2014
A look at the life of Father Bob, a man who has devoted his entire working life to the betterment of others. His desire and ability to help those in need is a wonderful example. The Catholic Church's response is unfair yet predictable. I suspect they were unhappy with the amount of media exposure Father Bob attracted, without seeing that it was all for the work of helping others.
February 16, 2014
Father Bob has such an inspiring life! Lives completely for others. He's seen so much sadness too. The writing was kind of hard to get through sometimes - the kind of like reading one of my own essays.
May 3, 2022
Interesting autobiography of a priest that challenged the Church, had a traumatic child hood and always tries to do his best. Repetitive and needed some serious editing but thoughtful, provoking message.
2022 pop sugar reading challenge- two books set in twin cities.
2022 pop sugar reading challenge- two books set in twin cities.
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July 9, 2022This was a good book which told the story of a priest who did things differently and who fought for the poor and homeless. He was outspoken and his ways of doing things were frowned upon by the hierarchy.
January 22, 2014
Terribly written :( I like Father Bob however would've been great to hear his story in his own words
April 15, 2016
An inspirational read about one man who walks the talk and stays true to his religious beliefs albeit going about his business in a truly unique way.
August 22, 2020
I’m a devout atheist, but what’s not to love about Father Bob! A total awesome human warts and all. If only there were more of him - the church (and the world) would be a better place for it.
March 3, 2017
was hard to get through but it was interesting.
October 30, 2018
Father Bob is one of my favourite humans and it was incredible to get an insight into his life and what makes him tick. Long live Father Bob!
Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews