As the Church continues to rejoice in the Easter season and the Risen Lord, the community of Broken Bay gathered yesterday for a moment of thanksgiving.
Easter Wednesday, April 8, marked the 40th anniversary of the proclamation of the Diocese of Broken Bay when Pope John Paul II decreed that Broken Bay should be a Local Church.
Until this time, the area, including the North Shore, Northern Beaches and Central Coast regions were considered within the jurisdiction of the Archdiocese of Sydney.
Bishop Patrick Murphy was appointed the first bishop, and installed by Cardinal Edward Clancy in May 1986.
Celebrating Mass at the Cathedral at Waitara yesterday, Archbishop Anthony Randazzo, recently appointed Prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts by Pope Leo XIV, and now the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese, used the crozier, or hooked staff, carried by Bishop Murphy during his installation.
The Mass was attended by parishioners and parish priests, administrative and Catholic School Broken Bay colleagues.
In his homily, Archbishop Randazzo said that what began as a young and hopeful community of the Church has, by the grace of God, grown and matured across four decades of faith, service, and witness.
“Through Catholic education, engagement in public schools, health care, aged care, pastoral ministry, and countless acts of mercy and charity, the clergy and people of this diocese have sought to proclaim the Good News of Jesus Christ not only in word, but in action. In doing so, they have helped to shape a communities of grace marked by care, reconciliation, and peace across the North Shore, the Northern Beaches, and the Central Coast,” he said.
“As we look to the future, may we never forget where we have come from, so that we do not lose sight of where God is leading us and sending us.”
A Liturgical Celebration and 40th Anniversary Diocesan Dinner will also be held to mark the occasion in late May.
The Diocese of Parramatta is also celebrating its 40th anniversary this year. The diocesan publication, Catholic Outlook, has published a brief history of the diocese, which is home to some of Australia’s oldest Catholic churches and parishes and is today a vibrant and growing multicultural faith community.
FULL STORY
Diocese Celebrates Four Decades (Diocese of Broken Bay)
Where the Spirit Leads: 40 Years of the Diocese of Parramatta (Catholic Outlook)
