ARCHDIOCESE OF MELBOURNE REPORT: Fiona Basile
Kairos Catholic Journal
The people of Sandhurst Diocese warmly welcomed newly appointed Bishop Leslie Tomlinson DD at the installation Mass held at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo yesterday. About 1500 people filled the cathedral, coming from all areas of the diocese, as well as family, friends and colleagues from the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
More than 90 priests and 23 bishops, locally and from interstate, concelebrated at the Mass, including Archbishop Denis Hart DD from Melbourne, Archbishop Adrian Doyle AM DD from Hobart, His Excellency Most Rev Giuseppe Lazarotto, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia and Rev Mgr Francis Marriott, the Diocesan Administrator for Sandhurst, who provided a heart-felt welcome to Bishop Tomlinson on behalf the people of Sandhurst.
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Read Bishop Tomlinson's homily
Read about Bishop Tomlinson's, Coat of Arms
Bishop Tomlinson is the seventh bishop of the Sandhurst Diocese at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo, following the death of Bishop Joe Grech. He was installed as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Melbourne in June 200, and served as Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia from 2003 to 2012.
Upon his arrival and procession into the cathedral, Bishop Tomlinson was greeted by Mgr Marriott who offered him a crucifix (owned by Bishop Reville) to kiss and holy water with which to bless himself and the congregation.
Bishop Tomlinson then prayed and vested within the Blessed Sacrament Chapel and was presented with the Mitre (owned by Bishop Grech) and Crozier (owned by Bishop McCarthy) in the sanctuary. He was accompanied by Archbishop Hart and Mgr Marriot as he sat in the bishop’s seat for the first time. His episcopal coat of arms and motto, ‘In Christ’s Name’, sits above the seat.
In his homily, Bishop Tomlinson said, “We are familiar with St Paul’s first letter to the Corinthians (1Cor.12:4-11), where he writes that each of us receives particular gifts from God, which we are called upon to contribute to the building up of the Church.”
“In my own life, my response to God's call has led me from my childhood and youth in Mildura to the seminary. Then as a priest, apart from short period of three years working in the Archdiocese of Hobart in the mid to late 70s, I have lived out my priesthood in the Archdiocese of Melbourne.
“In recent years, it has been my privilege to serve in the roles of leadership as Vicar General and Auxiliary Bishop in Melbourne. And now, I come to be with you, as your bishop of Sandhurst. I know that my life, which has been a rich and fulfilling one, will continue to be graced by God in service of his people in this diocese.
“Coming amongst you to take up this call to be your bishop - sanctifier, teacher of the faith, and leader - I do so, humbled by the confidence shown in me and confident, through the Holy Spirit, of a blessed outcome.
“As my model I take Christ Jesus himself who is the sanctifier, teacher and leader par excellence. For this reason I have chosen for my Episcopal motto ‘In Christ’s Name’.
“My role of Chief Pastor of the diocese is a particularly rich one and I commit myself to striving to fulfil it generally as your bishop and where possible to you individually. This role of pastor has special significance in my relationship with the clergy of the diocese, to whom I am called to be their Father in Christ. In the months ahead, I look forward to coming to know you priests and to developing true friendship with you. You are the first collaborators with the bishop in the endeavours of the Church.”
SOURCE : http://www.cam.org.au/
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