To a world growing ever darker and emptier, Christians can bring people Christ’s light, fullness and “sense of order,” said Bishop Tony Percy following his episcopal ordination as Australia’s newest bishop. Source: The Catholic Weekly.
Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP consecrated the former priest of Canberra-Goulburn and former rector of the Good Shepherd Seminary to be the new auxiliary bishop for the Sydney Archdiocese during Mass in a packed St Mary’s Cathedral on May 2.
The soaring liturgy brimmed with powerful and touching moments, beginning with a grand opening procession of more than 40 bishops with priests and seminarians, some holding aloft gilded banners featuring Christ, Our Lady and St Joseph.
Bishop Percy’s large extended family were among those witnessing the laying on of hands, prayer of consecration, and anointing with oil of “this chosen one” by Archbishop Fisher, with Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge and Canberra-Goulburn Archbishop Christopher Prowse as principal co-consecrators.
Unscripted were outbreaks of applause at moments, such as from groups of the bishop’s former parishioners as he went around the cathedral to bestow his first blessings, and laughter at quips from both the new bishop and Archbishop Fisher.
It was poignant, too, to hear the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo, read Pope Francis’s papal bull confirming Bishop Percy’s appointment – one of the last made by the late pontiff.
“Well, that wasn’t as bad as I thought it was going to be,” said the new bishop as the Mass drew to a close.
He then made it clear that the evening was not so much about him but a call for those present to work with him in evangelising to others.
“I hope this has been a wonderful experience for you,” he began.
“The world needs us desperately. As it grows ever dark, empty and chaotic, the word of Christ gives it lightness, brightness, fullness and a certain sense of order.”
The staunch advocate for marriage and family added that the best way to bring Christ’s light to the hurting world is “two by two,” before leading the congregation in a Hail Mary to pray for Pope Francis, the world’s cardinals, and the future pope they would soon elect.
FULL STORY
Go out to the world with Christ, urges Sydney’s new Bishop Tony Percy (By Marilyn Rodrigues, The Catholic Weekly)
