Bishop Peter Murphy has been ordained the 11th Bishop of Armidale after his appointment to the role by the late Pope Francis earlier this year.
The episcopal ordination was attended by 29 bishops, and Bishop Murphy was consecrated by Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP. Bishop of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga, Bishop Mark Edwards and Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, formerly Armidale Bishop Michael Kennedy OMI, were the co-consecrators.
Held in the Sts Mary and Joseph Cathedral, the building was overflowing with the faithful who were eager to witness Bishop Murphy’s episcopal ordination.
In his homily, Archbishop Fisher called on Bishop Murphy to lead the people of Armidale though “teaching, sanctifying, and governing as Jesus the Good Shepherd would.”
“Plant Gospel seeds far and wide, share your own wisdom about “the relationship between blundering human beings and God” and shine sacred “sunlight” on your people’s minds and hearts,” he said.
“Lead the sheep and feed the lambs, assured of the prayers and support of your brother bishops and priests, and of the entire flock of the faithful of Armidale.”
Prior to his appointment to Armidale, Bishop Murphy was the vicar general of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga.
He worked as a field agronomist in Melbourne before his ordination to the priesthood in 1992.
Bishop Murphy is also the last bishop to be appointed by the late pope and has indicated he wants to continue Pope Francis’ work.
“I hope to live out his legacy of caring for the poor and the marginalised,” he said.
The ordination was held hours before the Vatican announced the new Holy Father, Pope Leo XIV.
Speaking to The Catholic Weekly at the time of the announcement of his appointment in March, Bishop Murphy said he wished to be a missionary leader who helped to “support families and their futures.”
“Today we’re living in a very, you might say, fragile time, many people are disorientated and disillusioned, so we need to reaffirm them in their faith,” he said.
“Bring the Gospel to them and help them in whatever possible way.”
Australian Catholic Bishop Conference President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SBD welcomed the new bishop, saying he will “bring gifts of great value” to the diocese.
“He can be assured of our prayerful support as he takes on his new leadership role,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
Bishop Murphy will oversee 24 parishes, 24 schools, and 40 clergy in the Diocese of Armidale.
