Fr John Terence Pickering OFM

Fr John Pickering, OFM died in the Wollongong Hospital on 6 May at the age of 86.  He is a loved and deeply valued member of the Franciscan Order for 66 years and a priest for 59.  He was a teacher, missionary, pastor and beloved chaplain to the Spanish speaking people of Wollongong, to the deaf and to the disabled.

John is the cherished son of John and Bridget Pickering and the beloved brother and brother-in-law of Margaret, Anne, Marie, Veronica, Lorraine (wife of Denis dec), Judy (wife of Kevin dec) and Carmel (wife of Maurice dec).

‘It is in dying that we are born to eternal life.’

Requiem Mass for the repose of Fr John’s soul will be celebrated in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, Harbour Street Wollongong on Thursday 14th May 2026 at 11am. Following the Mass light refreshments will be served.  His funeral will then proceed to Lakeside Memorial Park, Kanahooka Road, Kanahooka.