The Catholic community across the New England has experienced a rare and uplifting week of celebration, marked by two historic moments — the ordination of a new Bishop in Armidale and the selection of a new Pope in Rome.
On Thursday evening, Saints Mary and Joseph’s Cathedral in Armidale was filled with clergy and laity from across the Diocese and beyond, gathered for the ordination and installation of Bishop Peter Murphy as the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Armidale.
The sacred liturgy was a grand affair attended by 29 bishops, with Archbishop of Sydney Anthony Fisher OP serving as the principal consecrator and homilist. Bishop Mark Edwards of Wagga Wagga and Bishop Michael Kennedy, former Bishop of Armidale and now of Maitland-Newcastle, acted as co-consecrators.
The Mass was concelebrated by more than 60 diocesan and visiting clergy, joined by representatives of the Anglican, Uniting, and Presbyterian churches, exemplifying a strong ecumenical spirit.
Bishop Murphy will now shepherd 24 parishes, 24 Catholic schools, and 40 clergy across the vast Diocese.
In his first public remarks, Bishop Murphy reflected on his rural roots and practical background that has prepared him well for this service.
“I am a farmer’s son and I worked in agriculture before being called to the priesthood, so I can talk the talk and walk the walk,” he said.
“I have shorn a sheep and driven a tractor, and I know how crops work, so I can be a good shepherd and find some stray sheep and bring them back.”
Prior to his appointment – the last made by the late Pope Francis just before his passing – Bishop Murphy was the parish administrator of St Michael’s Cathedral in Wagga Wagga and served as Vicar General of the Diocese. His long ministry includes 32 years of priesthood and academic service, including teaching philosophy and moral theology at Vianney College for three decades.
His theological education includes a licentiate in theology from the Urban University in Rome and a doctorate in theology, completed while working at the Vatican’s Congregation of the Missions.
“I am confident Bishop Murphy will bring gifts of great value to not only the Diocese of Armidale, but also the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference,” Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB said.
As Bishop Murphy begins his episcopal journey, a momentous event was simultaneously unfolding in the heart of the Catholic Church.
On Friday morning Australian time, white smoke billowed from the chimney of the Sistine Chapel, signalling the selection of a new pope. In a surprise decision, the College of Cardinals elected American Cardinal Robert Prevost, a 69-year-old missionary from Chicago, as the 267th pope of the Catholic Church. He will be known as Pope Leo XIV.
Standing on the central balcony of St. Peter’s Basilica, Pope Leo greeted the crowd in fluent Italian, offering the words, “Peace be with you all,” followed by a brief message in Spanish.
Prevost, who also holds Peruvian nationality, spent most of his career in Peru and was only made a cardinal in 2023. A quiet but respected figure, he has been praised for his pastoral work, dedication to social justice, and support for reform within the Church. He had not been considered a frontrunner, and his election surprised many.
“He is multilingual and has a reputation as a listener,” said Jesuit commentator Rev. Thomas Reese. “The Holy Spirit continues to surprise us.”
Pope Leo XIV succeeds Pope Francis, who died in April after 12 transformative years at the helm of the Church. In his inaugural remarks, Leo expressed deep gratitude to his predecessor and affirmed his commitment to continuing Francis’ mission of a compassionate, outward-facing Church.
The Diocese of Armidale invites continued prayers for Bishop Murphy and for Pope Leo XIV, as they each begin their sacred service in guiding the faithful into a new chapter of hope and unity.
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