Catholic Identity

Bishop René Installation Mass.

It was a pleasure to be present at Bishop Rene’s Installation Mass this week. Please find Aimee’s report below.

On Thursday Mrs Rankin, Mr Dainton and I went to Sacred Heart Cathedral in Bendigo for Bishop Rene’s Installation Mass. We travelled with guests from SMOTA including two of their College Leaders Sam and Rahni, Miss Brooks, Mr Walker and Mrs Thorp. The Cathedral looked amazing with artwork and statues lining the walls. More than a thousand people from across the Sandhurst Diocese and further afield packed the Cathedral, with people watching online as well. With so many traditions and rituals a part of the Mass, Bishop Rene entered the Cathedral by banging a hammer on the door and being welcomed in. We shared a gift of handmade cards from our students and a San Damiano Cross with the Bishop, and we look forward to praying for him in his new role.

Below is a prayer card that was shared with us-

Let us pray for the Most Rev. René Ramirez RCJ,

as he begins his ministry as the Ninth Bishop of the Diocese of Sandhurst.

Entrusting himself to the Lord under his episcopal motto Zelus et Misericordia (“Zeal and Mercy), Bishop René seeks to lead with the compassionate heart of Christ- the Good Shepherd who knows His people, walks beside them, and calls them to the fulness of life.

Inspired by the charism of St Hannibal Mary Di Francia and sustained by the prayers of the faithful, may he faithfully proclaim the Gospel, strengthen the unity of the Church, foster a culture of vocations, and encourage all to become joyful missionary disciples.

May the Holy Spirit grant him wisdom and courage, and may the Blessed Virgin Mary, together with the saints and patrons of the Diocese of Sandhurst, watch over him in his ministry.

Let us accompany our Bishop with our prayers, our friendship, and our shared commitment to building a vibrant, hope-filled Church, so that together we may bring the light of Christ to every person and every community.

Send, O Lord, holy apostles into Your Church, and abundant holy vocations to Your people.

Aimee and Malinda with Matt Knight (former Principal of St Francis’ PS)

Bishop René with the St Francis’-SMOTA contingent.