Bishop Peter Murphy was ordained and installed as the 11th Bishop of Armidale at a joyful celebration in the diocese’s Saints Mary and Joseph’s Cathedral last night. Source: ACBC Media Blog.
The solemn and historic liturgy was attended by 29 bishops, including principal consecrator Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP, who also delivered the homily.
Co-consecrators were Wagga Wagga Bishop Mark Edwards and Maitland-Newcastle Bishop Michael Kennedy, who was the former Bishop of Armidale.
Sixty diocesan and visiting clergy concelebrated the Mass, joined in unity by local ministers from the Anglican, Uniting, and Presbyterian churches, reflecting a strong spirit of ecumenical goodwill.
The cathedral overflowed with faithful from across the dioceses of Armidale, Wagga Wagga and beyond, with many more participating via livestream.
Bishop Murphy will oversee 24 parishes, 24 Catholic schools and 40 clergy.
Prior to his appointment by the late Pope Francis, Bishop Murphy was parish administrator of St Michael’s Cathedral, Wagga Wagga, and Vicar General of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.
His appointment has been warmly welcomed both locally and nationally.
Bishop Murphy began his working life as a field agronomist in Melbourne before entering the seminary. Being a shepherd, he said, is in his blood.
“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,” Bishop Murphy 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.”
Bishop Murphy was the last Australian bishop to be appointed by the late Pope Francis.
“I hope to live out his legacy of caring for the poor and the marginalised,” Bishop Murphy said.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB warmly welcomed the new bishop.
“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,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“He can be assured of our prayerful support as he takes on his new leadership role.”
FULL STORY
Ordination and installation of 11th Bishop of Armidale (ACBC Media Blog)
