ARCHBISHOP Christopher Prowse was officially installed as the leader of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn on November 19.
The Mass of installation was held at St Christopher’s Cathedral in Canberra, with more than 700 people in attendance.
The crowd included almost 150 clergy, as well as most of the Bishops of Australia. Archbishop Prowse’s five siblings were also present.
Proceedings commenced with the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Paul Gallagher, pronouncing the official Papal Bull of Appointment in Latin, written by Pope Francis.
“We believe that with your well recognised and much esteemed spiritual and pastoral gifts, you, venerable brother, are best suited to fill this vacancy,” the translation into English read.
“We encourage [the priests and people of the Archdiocese] to welcome you warmly and always remain one with you in faith and love.”
During his homily, Archbishop Prowse reflected on the life of St Christopher, the same name he and the Archdiocesan Cathedral share.
After recounting the story of how St Christopher carried the Christ-Child across a dangerous river, Archbishop Prowse told the congregation: “I want to be “Christopher” for you”.
“I want to carry you and your burdens to Jesus, the great burden-bearer, across the dangerous river of life,” he said.
Archbishop Prowse said he was “knocking at the door” of the Canberra and Goulburn Archdiocese.
“Please let me into your hearts to lead you into the heart of Divine Mercy, Jesus himself alive in our Catholic faith. Please pray for me,” he said.
The 59-year-old exhorted the people of the Archdiocese to embrace new forms of media in taking Christ to everyone, everywhere.
“Let us go out with courage and hope in the deep waters to the new depths of evangelisation opening up in our times – the depths of discovery and science, the internet and social media, art and beauty, the new poor in families,” he said.
“First Australians, migrants and refugees, the search for God, the city and rural areas, politics and economics, culture and inter-religious dialogue, the search for meaning and purpose in life.”
Archbishop Prowse was previously the Bishop of Sale in Victoria, before being appointed as Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn in September.
The Archdiocese has been without an Archbishop for almost two years since Mark Coleridge was appointed Archbishop of Brisbane.
Meanwhile, Bishop David Walker recently retired from his role in charge of the Diocese of Broken Bay. An administrator will govern the diocese until a successor is appointed.
Bishop Walker, who turned 75 on the day he officially retired, led the diocese since 1996. He told The Record he was grateful for the opportunity to lead the Broken Bay diocese.
“I have grown personally in my faith life through this opportunity in a way that I might not have done otherwise,” he said. “
The responsibility does wear you down. I think it is easier to bear when you are younger, so whoever comes might find it easier.”
Bishop Walker said his ministry will continue, despite his retirement, albeit in a different form.
“I will continue to serve the people of God through the proclamation of the Gospel and the fostering of the personal spiritual journey,” he said.
President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference Archbishop Denis Hart thanked Bishop Walker for his contribution to the Church and society.
“His gifted work and friendship since his appointment as bishop of Broken Bay in 1996 is esteemed by all. We wish him every blessing in retirement.”