Sydney’s new Archbishop blesses the people at last night’s Mass. Photo: Catholic Youth Services on Facebook.
Most Reverend Anthony Fisher OP was last night installed as the ninth Archbishop of Sydney, extending his hands to government, leaders of other faiths, estranged Catholics and victims of abuse.
40 bishops, religious leaders from other churches and faiths and a number of politicians, including NSW Governor General David Hurley and former Prime Minister John Howard, joined thousands of others at the packed cathedral to celebrate the historic occasion.
Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Paul Gallagher, soon to depart for his new appointment in Rome, was present to read the papal bull in Latin. In the letter, Pope Francis entrusted all the faithful of the Archdiocese to the pastoral care of the new Archbishop.
“We pray that, assisted by the gifts of the Holy Spirit, the Paraclete, you will fulfil your office as Pastor,” the letter read, “so that the faithful entrusted to you – especially the young, who are the hope of the Church – nourish daily their lamps of faith, hope and, above all, charity, the queen of all the virtues, at the fount of life who is Christ.”
After the new Archbishop took his seat – the Cathedra of the Archdiocese of Sydney, representatives from the Archdiocese approached the Archbishop to greet him as their new shepherd. The choice of musical accompaniment, Matt Maher’s Lord I Need You, gave a nod to the youth, recalling memories of their evening vigil with Pope Francis at World Youth Day in Rio.
Archbishop Fisher began his homily with a reflection on the historical intersections between Islam, secularism and Christianity.
“Much might be said about these three cousins,” he said.
“They have family resemblances, differences and tensions. Extremist strains of each have sometimes threatened the existence of the others. At other times they’ve coexisted peaceably and collaborated in different ways.”
Archbishop Fisher went on to stress the importance of preserving religious liberty as part of the fabric of Australian society, committing himself to collaboration with government and with other faiths in striving toward peace and harmony.
The Archbishop also apologised to victims of abuse for the past failings of the Church.
“I personally found it harrowing as a bishop to listen to survivors tell me their stories to hear how abandoned they felt and how they continue to suffer,” he said.
“All young people must be cherished and protected. The Church can do better, and I am committed to giving a lead in this area.”
The Archbishop then turned his attention to estranged Catholics.
“To those who have become disconnected from the Church in recent years because of our failures or for some other reason I say ‘come back home! Give us another chance, and help us be a better Church. We need your insights, enthusiasm and prayers,” he said.
The Archbishop concluded his homily by addressing priests and religious, families and youth of the Archdiocese.
“As I take up this new charge, I ask you all to reflect upon your personal calling to build up the Church and community. Join me in saying a Marian ‘YES’ unconditionally to God,” he said.
Archbishop Fisher succeeds Cardinal George Pell following the Cardinal’s appointment as Prefect of the Vatican Secretariat for the Economy. With 21 years until he reaches the age of retirement, the newly installed Archbishop could remain in Sydney until 2035.
Read the full homily via ABC Religion and Ethics
Watch the installation Mass at xt3.com.
Mass Readings:
First Reading: Rev 11:19, 12:1-6, 10 : Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman, adorned with the sun…
Psalm 112: Blessed be the name of the Lord now and forever more.
Second Reading: Eph 4:1-7, 11-15: Speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in every way into him who is the head, into Christ.
Gospel: Luke 1:39-56: Blessed is she who believed that the promise made to her by the Lord would be fulfilled.
