Our Lady of the Rosary Cathedral in the Broken Bay Diocese was overflowing with parishioners, friends, family and diocesan colleagues for Archbishop Anthony Randazzo’s final Mass before leaving to take up his new role in the Holy See this week.
The fourth bishop of the diocese, Archbishop Randazzo was appointed by Pope Leo XIV as Prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts on March 25. In conjunction with this appointment to the Roman Curia, he was also given the personal title of Archbishop.
However, for those gathered at the cathedral on Sunday, he was their pastor and faithful shepherd.
During his homily, Archbishop Randazzo encouraged everyone to listen carefully to the words of Jesus Christ when he said, “Do not be afraid”.
“In the Gospel, Jesus repeats those words with remarkable insistence: ‘Do not be afraid’ (Matthew 10:26). He knows the fears that can trouble the human heart,” the Archbishop said.
“He knows that every generation of believers will face moments of uncertainty, opposition, discouragement, and even the temptation to remain silent about their faith. Yet Jesus’s command is clear: ‘Do not be afraid’.”
Although he said he would soon be on a plane to Rome, Archbishop Randazzo offered an invitation and challenge to the diocesan family.
“Let us become a Church that prays more intentionally for the gifts necessary for our mission. Let our clergy pray daily for wisdom, strength, and pastoral charity. Let our parish communities pray for a renewed outpouring of the Holy Spirit.
“Let families pray together for the courage to live the Gospel. Let our young people pray for the generosity to follow wherever Christ may call them. The future of the Church will not be secured by human plans alone.
“It will be secured by faithful disciples who trust that the Lord is at their side, who believe in the abundance of His grace, and who are willing to declare their faith before the world.”
After Mass, the archbishop thanked the diocese for their prayers and support over the past six years. It was an emotional moment for the Archbishop and the congregation.
Since his appointment to the Roman Curia, Archbishop Randazzo has been the Apostolic Administrator of Broken Bay. At the end of this week, the diocese’s College of Consultors will elect a diocesan administrator until the Pope appoints a new bishop.
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Tears and Applause as Diocese Farewells Archbishop Anthony Randazzo (Broken Bay Diocese)
