Austin Murray Malloy was born in Whitley Bay, Northumberland, on 9th January 1923. He had a brother and three sisters. Like all the other Catholic boys, he attended the local parish school, where, we learn in a brief letter from the Headmaster, Austin 'has always shown himself to be of exemplary character, whilst his work has always reached an excellent standard.' His Parish Priest gave an equally positive report, describing Austin as 'pious without any softness, serious-minded but sufficiently boyish'. But those were very difficult days, especially for Catholic families. We know this from a long and detailed letter sent by his mother to Fr Ciantar, Rector of Shrigley. Austin had expressed a wish to become a Salesian priest, and the way forward was to go to Shrigley. His mother explained to Fr Ciantar that Austin's father, although a qualified Ships' Plater in the dockyard, was out of work, and, in her words, 'it's a big worry to feed the family.' She explained: 'the Freemasons have a terrible hold here'. Several times her husband had been approached with the offer of a good job provided he would become a Freemason. But, as she says, 'that is out of the question'.

She must have been assured that fees for Austin would be waived as his father was unemployed. But she added a fascinating piece of information: there were about a dozen local Salesian Co-operators who would help in this regard. Even the Parish Priest was also a Salesian Co-operator. Who had sown the Salesian seed in Whitley Bay? Was it Fr Ciantar on his roving missions, or was it just through reading the Salesian Bulletin? Possibly both. An interesting quote from Austin's mother reads like this: 'I have great faith that now St John Bosco has sent the ways he will also send the means, as he seems to have pointed out to us distinctly that he wants Austin'. Typical faith of a good Catholic mother.

Once accepted as an aspirant, the five years 1935-1940, spent at Shrigley, gave Austin the opportunity both to develop his character and successfully handle the course of studies. He is described as 'a very quiet boy', but 'overcoming his natural shyness', 'good at sport', and at the same time showing 'fine ability' where studies were concerned. Austin took in his stride the School Certificate with 'Matric exemption' as the formula was, and began his novitiate in Beckford in August 1940 and was duly professed on 31st August 1941.

Following the regular pattern of Salesian life Austin spent the next two years in Shrigley as a student of Philosophy, but like many others he combined this with other secular studies. And when he began teaching in Burwash in 1943, the studies continued alongside, and soon he did the Inter Arts as it was called, in July 1944, which opened the door for working on a degree as an external student of London University. Teaching and studies took him first to Cowley (1946), then to Farnborough (1947) and finally to Shrigley in 1948, from where he took the University exams, gaining an Honours Degree in History. Anyone who has spent much time with Austin would know that he acquired an encyclopaedic knowledge of history that would often raise an eyebrow.

Next came Theology: a first year in Shrigley and three more in Blaisdon - still with some teaching thrown in. This brought him finally to Ordination in 1951. The school was Austin's scene for the next 30 years: first at Farnborough, then Cowley (1952-71), where for three years he was Headteacher, and where he introduced the teaching of Economics; then back to Farnborough (1971-75), and finally to Battersea where he was Rector for six years (1975-81). A major change came in 1981 when it was felt that the young, energetic pioneer community in Liberia needed a more senior confrere to be their Rector: the choice fell on Austin, who accepted this new, daunting challenge. His quiet, gentle, unhurried exterior concealed a giant-size courageous heart. Austin took up his new role as Rector without delay, as well as accepting responsibility as Parish Priest for St Joseph's Parish, Sinkor, and the Church of Our Lady of Lebanon in Monrovia. Austin was to spend three years in this new mission, and according to the publication 'Liberia, 25 years with Don Bosco', Austin did admirable work and consolidated the Salesian presence in Liberia. His presence was much appreciated by other religious in the country. The ordinary folk also took to him, referring to him affectionately as 'Old Pappe!'

After coming back to Britain Austin had a brief spell at Battersea, where he was the SDB Representative for Schools Appointments (1984-85), then a short stint as Bursar in Bootle. But for the next twenty years his scene was again the parish as Assistant Priest, first in Durham (1985-91), then Esh Winning (1991-97) and finally, for ten years in St Gregory's Bollington (1997-2006).

Austin was a private person, but extremely generous in sharing parish ministry, easy to live with, and well accepted by the people. He prepared excellent meals, showing well developed culinary skills, and continued his great hobby of gardening. Austin always preached well, took part willingly in 'faith sharing', and 'Churches Together' events; he initiated voluntary Lectio Divina sessions, and willingly gave instructions to prospective converts. In 2006 he left and happily joined the community at St Joseph's, Bolton. For some time, Austin was able to take full part in community life, took his turn to lead the community Mass and enjoyed his regular walks in the local countryside. A little over five years ago there were changes in his physical health. He had developed Parkinson's Disease, and other complex issues led to admission to hospital followed by a stay at Darley Court, Bolton, where it became clear that 24-hour care was needed, and in March 2012 Austin was transferred to the Care Home of the Little Sisters of the Poor in Manchester.

The confreres from St Joseph's visited Austin frequently, making sure he had a copy of 'The Tablet' that he always read avidly. It was only gradually that he became less mobile, until, possibly after a fall, his dependency became more extreme, but at no time did he lose his sharp mental faculties, and he could surprise you with an unexpected quip. The nursing care of the Little Sisters and their staff was at all times of the highest quality, and for that we are most grateful. But as Austin reached a situation of total physical dependency, there was a very rapid decline, and he finally slipped away peacefully on Sunday, 3rd September 2017. It was the end of a life totally given to God and to the service of others, making full use of the many gifts that God had endowed him with. His Requiem Mass was celebrated in Thornleigh College chapel on 16th September 2017, after which Austin was laid to rest in the Salesian graves in the cemetery at Astley Bridge, Bolton.

Fr Robert Coupe SDB