Mgr Robert Francis Aitken

Robert Aitken was born at Goodwood on May 25 1929, the son of Raymond and Winifred (nee Grealy) and brother of Margaret, Sr Robert rsj, Peter and Don.

He was educated at Sacred Heart College.

He commenced his studies for the priesthood at St Francis Xavier Seminary in Adelaide and completed his theological studies at Corpus Christi College in Werribee in Victoria. He was ordained priest in St Francis Xavier's Cathedral by Archbishop Beovich on July 22 1952.

His first appointment later that year was as assistant priest in Croydon parish where he had responsibility for the community at St Philomena’s Church (later changed to Corpus Christi) in Woodville Gardens. He was well known for riding his bicycle around the parish and he was chaplain to the Young Christian Workers Movement.

St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral

On December 21 1957 he was appointed assistant priest in the Adelaide Cathedral parish. And thus began his long association with the Cathedral lasting 40 years. On January 31 1967 Fr Robert Aitken was appointed Administrator of St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral, a position he held for just on 30 years.

Throughout this time he became well now for his great hospitality at the Archbishop’s House on West Terrace where he welcomed many significant clergy visitors and also was a great host to local priests who were always welcome to dine and/or be accommodated at West Terrace. Many a clergy gathering was held at West Terrace, and some became an annual event over many years.

At the Cathedral he was noted for his dignified manner of presiding and famous for his wonderful sermons. He always gave great attention to preparing his homilies and was able to incorporate many quotations from history or well known literature.

While at the Cathedral he was the celebrant at numerous marriages and became well known for his excellent preparation of couples for marriage and especially instructing those who wished to become Catholic. On the recommendation of Archbishop Gleeson he began to give a series a lectures in the faith each year, often celebrating special Masses for their baptism or reception into the Church. These lectures began in 1965 and continued through until 2019, well into his time of retirement.

While at the Cathedral Fr Bob was also chaplain to Christian Brothers College, Wakefield Street.

One thing Fr Bob was proud of was having Dame Roma Mitchell as a parishioner for decades, especially as Governor when she walk from Government House to the 9am Mass in the Cathedral. He set up ‘The Governors Seat’ for her at the front. In 1995 during Dame Roma’s time as Governor the Duchess of Kent was in Adelaide and attended Mass at the Cathedral.

Other appointments

During all his time at the Cathedral Fr Robert was involved in many and varied positions in the Archdiocese.

In November 1972 Fr Bob, as he was commonly known, was appointed a member of the Diocesan Liturgical Commission, a three-year appointment.

On June 1 1974 he was appointed a Diocesan Consultor – a three year appointment but he was re-appointed in June 1977, February 1989, March 1993 through till 1997. Which probably stand for a record for any priest serving in that position for so many years.

In 1975 Fr Bob became a member of the Order of Malta.

On June 1 1980 Fr Bob was appointed Vicar General, a position he held for nine years. While Vicar General he was ex-officio a member of the Council of Priests, and this was extended through till 2002. He was also a member of the Diocesan Pastoral Council.

In July 1980 Fr Robert Aitken, in recognition of his services to the Archdiocese, was appointed by the Holy Father as a Protonotary Apostolic with the title of Monsignor. This was the highest level of priests with the title of Monsignor.

Mgr Bob had a great love for the poor and homeless and he was a great support to the Daughters of Charity at the Hutt Street Centre and also the Adelaide Moore Street Day Centre. And often on a Friday evening he would celebrate Mass at the St Vincent de Paul night shelter in Whitmore Square and spend time with the men.

For many years Mgr Bob was a great support to Sr Janet Mead rsm who started the Rock Mass service at St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral in 1972, which at its height, was attended by 2000 people. And later he supported the Janet Mead Romero Community.

 On September 26 1997 Mgr Bob’s time as Administrator came to an end when he was appointed Parish Priest at Dulwich/Burnside. He quickly endeared himself to the people of that parish, plus it must be said many former members of the Cathedral parish followed him to his new church.

Again he was noted for his hospitality to fellow priests and he welcomed one of his retired priest friends, Fr Leo Cronin to come and live with him at Dulwich.

In February 2002, no doubt because of his great sense of hospitality and care for other priests he was asked by the Archbishop to care for the wellbeing of sick and retired priests of the Archdiocese, and in December the following year he was appointed Chairman of the Senior Priests Care Committee.

On September 27 2004 Mgr Bob retired and the following day he was given the title of Pastor Emeritus and he took up residence on Moseley Street, Glenelg. But this was by no means the end of his active ministry. He continued to be available for Masses, funerals, visiting the sick etc. He was particularly kind and continued celebrating Masses for the Josephite Sisters at Kensington, the Mercy Sisters when they moved from Angas Street to Netley and Plympton, and the Dominicans when they moved from Franklin Street to South Road, then Cabra. This often involved two Masses a day. Also at the Archbishop’s request he continued his lectures in the Catholic faith.

In January 2013 while some renovations were being undertaken at his Moseley Street house Mgr Rob took up residence for a time at Murphy Villa. But later he returned to Moseley Street.

On May 19 2021 with his health in serious decline Mgr Bob moved into care at the Southern Cross Care Nursing home at The Pines. Here he was lovingly cared for until his death on November 11 2023 at the age of 94 years.

Concelebrated Requiem Mass was celebrated in St Francis Xavier’s Cathedral on November 24. Archbishop O’Regan was principal celebrant, the homily delivered by Fr Peter Zwanns who had known Fr Robert from early childhood and attributed his vocation to the influence of Fr Aitken. His niece, Fiona Lardner offered some words of remembrance.

The Committal of his remains was in Centennial Park Cemetery.