Monsignor Frawley was affectionately known as Mons. He was born in Toowoomba in 1904 to James and Bridget Frawley. He attended Nudgee College up until grade 10 and in his early years, he taught at the Charleville School, initially as a pupil/teacher, before being ordained as a priest in Rome in 1930.
In 1941 he was appointed as an RAAF chaplain, serving in Darwin, PNG and Borneo.
Monsignor Frawley was posted to Scarborough by the Archdiocese of Brisbane, on the Redcliffe Peninsula north of Brisbane, as priest for St Bernadette’s parish in 1946. During his time in the Parish, Monsignor Frawley went on to establish catholic schools such as Frawley College, Soubirous College, St Bernadette’s Primary School, and De La Salle College. In 1995, the School amalgamated with Frawley College, Soubirous College, St Bernadette's of Scarborough, Our Lady Help of Christians, and Our Lady of Lourdes to form Southern Cross College. Years 7 to 12 are based at the De La Salle campus of Southern Cross College
He was made a Monsignor in his silver jubilee year, but rarely used the title.
He was a dedicated community minded priest, starting Scarborough Art Union, as well as focusing and initiating many other community minded projects.
He died on the 23rd January 2001 aged 97 years and was buried from Brisbane’s St Stephen’s Cathedral on January 31 after a funeral Mass celebrated by Archbishop John Bathersby.
Monsignor Frawley is listed on the wall of the Redcliffe Wall of Fame:
A collection of portrait and information honouring the achievements of individuals who have influenced and shaped Redcliffe. The collection is in the Jetty Arcade at 139-141 Redcliffe Parade.
For a complete list of people who appear on the wall click on the following blog post: