Bishop Mulkearns’ funeral was a quiet and private affair, attended by at least 50 people. 

A group of mourners embraced each other after the funeral and function. 

Some wiped back tears, before entering vehicles and travelling to the cemetery. 

There was a small police presence at the funeral but no disruption occurred.

WATCH THE FUNERAL PROCESSION LEAVING NAZARETH HOUSE HERE

Bishop Mulkearns is the first Ballarat bishop not to be interred in the crypt of St Patrick’s Cathedral.

In a statement Ballarat Bishop Paul Bird said Bishop Mulkearns would be remembered as a man dedicated to his service who, in later years, expressed sorrow “for some tragic mistakes he had made during his time as bishop”. 

Bishop Bird said Bishop Mulkearns’ family would remember him as a quiet, shy and gentle man 

Bishop Mulkearns was considered “the keeper of secrets” with many survivors believing he could have put a stop to much of the abuse that occurred throughout the region. 

He died last Monday.