The Archdiocese of Sydney last week celebrated the ordination of its two new Auxiliary Bishops, the Most Reverend Anthony Randazzo and the Most Reverend Richard Umbers.
The episcopal ordination of Bishop Randazzo and Bishop Umbers took place at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, on Wednesday evening, 24 August 2016.
Both Bishop Randazzo and Bishop Umbers were ordained Auxiliary Bishops of Sydney and will join Bishop Terry Brady as the three Auxiliary Bishops serving the Archdiocese of Sydney.
The Most Reverend Anthony Fisher OP, Archbishop of Sydney, was the Principal consecrator and celebrant. The Most Reverend Mark Coleridge, Archbishop of Brisbane, and the Most Reverend Stephen Lee Bun-sang, Bishop of Macau, were the principal co-consecrators.
In his words of welcome, Archbishop Fisher extended a special welcome to Bishop Denis Browne, Emeritus Bishop of Hamilton, New Zealand, who baptised Bishop Umbers. He also welcomed civic and religious leaders and representatives from sister Churches.
The Bishops of Australia and from New Zealand, clergy of the Archdiocese of Sydney and visiting clergy concelebrated.
During the presentation of the bishops-elect, the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, recited the Papal Bull.
In his homily for the occassion, Archbishop Fisher said the two new bishops have been appointed in interesting times.
After listing news headlines from the past two months, the Archbishop said there will be many more such challenges for humanity in the coming years.
“Behind the violence and insecurity, the populist politics and shaky economics, the inauthenticity in sport, culture and religion, there are individual heart-breaks and profound moral-spiritual issues,” Archbishop Fisher said.
“In the face of such challenges the cry of the human heart is for wisdom voices and inspired leaders.
“We now look to these two young priests to offer our civil and ecclesial communities much-needed witness to holiness, courage and mercy, and fresh insights into the way ahead.”
At the conclusion of Communion, the newly ordained bishops were led through the Cathedral and blessed the congregation.
Bishop Randazzo delivered a word of thanks to the congregation on behalf of Bishop Umbers and himself.
“It is with deep gratitude that we thank His Grace, Archbishop Fisher. Your Grace, your prayerful support, and tender fraternal care of us both over these past two months is inspirational and is only outdone by your example of patience, courage, and hope in God during your physical trials and suffering.”
Addressing Archbishop Yllana, Bishop Randazzo also paid thanks to Pope Francis.
“Please express our deep gratitude to His Holiness, and reassure him of the faithfulness of the Archdiocese of Sydney to the mission of the Church,” Bishop Randazzo said.