Bishop René Ramirez RCJ greets the faithful after his installation as the ninth Bishop of Sandhurst at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo. Photo:Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst/Bill Conroy.
The newly installed Bishop of Sandhurst, Bishop René Ramirez RCJ, has called on Catholics across the Victorian diocese to embrace a future of missionary renewal by allowing themselves to be led first by the Holy Spirit.
Speaking before about 1,100 people during his 30 July installation Mass at Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo, Bishop Ramirez said he began his episcopal ministry with gratitude for the faith of those who had gone before him and hope for the future.
“Today I bring my story into the story of this diocese – a story that has been unfolding for more than 150 years, written through the faith of generations, the ministry of clergy and religious, the witness of families, and the quiet service of many whose names may be known only to God,” he said.
Having previously ministered in the Diocese of Sandhurst, Bishop Ramirez said he had already experienced the faith, generosity and resilience of its people.
“Much has been done and much continues to be done. I come with gratitude for what I have inherited and with respect for those who have carried the church’s mission through changing and sometimes difficult circumstances.”
Rather than outlining a strategic plan, Bishop Ramirez said authentic renewal begins by listening to the Holy Spirit before making plans.
“The Holy Spirit is so present and active among us. We want to listen more attentively – in prayer and Scripture, through the wisdom of the church, and in the lives of our people,” he said.
“Instead of preparing our plans and then asking the Holy Spirit to approve them, let us allow him to guide us from the beginning. Any genuine renewal of this diocese will come through his power, not through our efforts alone.”
Reflecting on the Gospel of Matthew, Bishop Ramirez said the church’s mission is to lead people to an encounter with Christ through lives marked by mercy, service and hope.
He expressed a desire for parishes to become increasingly missionary and relational, supporting families, forming young people as disciples and helping every Catholic discover and use the gifts the Holy Spirit has given them.
Just hours after his installation, one of the diocese’s historic churches was damaged by fire. According to the Herald Sun, emergency services were called to St Kilian’s Catholic Church in Bendigo shortly before 6am on 1 August after a blaze broke out in the sacristy.
Firefighters contained the fire to the rear of the building, with no injuries reported. The cause is under investigation. In a statement shared by the parish, Bishop Ramirez gave thanks that no one had been harmed and encouraged Catholics to remain hopeful.
“Thanks to God, no one has been injured and the church still stands,” he said.
“While this is a disappointing and distressing situation, we know that with God’s help, we will overcome it.
“As Christians, we know that our hope rests not simply in buildings, but in Christ, who remains with his people through every trial.”
The parish said the tabernacle, altar, pipe organ and other sacred furnishings were undamaged, with the fire confined to the sacristy and smoke damage affecting parts of the rear wall. Bishop Ramirez said the renewal of the diocese would require the participation of the entire diocesan community.
“I ask you to share in this vision; a Diocese led by the Holy Spirit, centred on Christ, committed to evangelisation and strengthened by prayerful and courageous leadership,” he said.
“Let us give this mission of zeal and mercy a chance to take deeper root among us.”
