Saibo Mabo facts for kids

Saibo Mabo (born May 14, 1947 – died May 12, 2017) was an important Australian bishop. He was a leader in the Anglican Church of Australia. From 2002 to 2015, he served as an assistant bishop in the Anglican Diocese of North Queensland. During this time, he was also the National Bishop for the Torres Strait Islander people.

Saibo Mabo's Early Life and Calling

Saibo Mabo was a Meriam man. He was born in 1947 on Thursday Island. This island is located in the Torres Strait in Queensland, Australia. He was the nephew of Eddie Mabo, a famous activist for Indigenous rights.

Mabo began his church work at age 17. He felt a strong call to become a priest. He studied at Nungalinya College. After his studies, he spent his time helping Indigenous people. He worked in Far North Queensland and all across Australia. Before becoming a bishop, Mabo traveled widely. He visited South America, England, and New Zealand. He did this to deepen his understanding of his faith.

Becoming a Bishop and His Work

In 2002, Saibo Mabo was chosen as an Assistant Bishop. This happened after the previous bishop for the Torres Strait Islands, Ted Mosby, passed away. Mabo's appointment was seen as a chance for peace and unity. He was named a "national" bishop. This meant he served all Torres Strait Islanders. He helped those on the islands and on mainland Australia.

Mabo became a bishop on February 24, 2002. The ceremony took place on Thursday Island. It was held at the All Souls and St Bartholomew's Cathedral Church. Anglican Archbishop Phillip Aspinall led the ceremony. Following local custom, island elders walked Mabo from his home to the church.

During his first year as bishop, Mabo visited many church groups. Some groups had separated from the main church earlier. He described this year as "challenging" but also "successful." He said he welcomed "many people into the Anglican Church." These people came from different church backgrounds.

As a bishop, Mabo represented the Anglican Church of Australia. He was part of the National Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Ecumenical Council. He also worked with local Member of Parliament Warren Entsch. Together, they led a project to fix the Quetta Church Hall. This hall is on Thursday Island. It was a community effort, with Mabo as the project's leader. Mabo also gave great support to the Torres Strait community. This was after the tragic murder of eight children in Cairns in December 2014.

Mabo served as bishop until mid-2015. He then retired from this role. After retiring, he became the local priest. He served at All Souls and St Bartholomew's Cathedral Church.

His Passing

Saibo Mabo passed away on May 12, 2017. This was just two days before his 70th birthday. He had been ill for a short time. His funeral service was held on June 16, 2017. It took place at St Bartholomew's Church. This was the same church where he became a bishop in 2002.

Mabo was survived by his wife, Sania. He also left behind his two sons and seven grandchildren.