Message from the Director of Schools

Dear Colleagues,

Habemus Papam! 

 (We have a Pope!)

‘Peace be with you’

It was wonderful to hear the announcement last week of our new Pope - Pope Leo XIV.  Cardinal Robert Prevost became the first Pope from the Augustinian order, and the first Pope from the United States of America, though his chosen name of 'Leo' continues another long tradition, being the fourth most common name taken for a Pope. An Augustinian, Pope Leo’s papal motto is taken from Saint Augustine’s Exposition on Psalm 127: In Illo uno unum, which means “In the One, we are one.” 

In his first address to the world as Pope, Leo said:

“Peace be with you all!

Dear brothers and sisters, these are the first words spoken by the risen Christ, the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for God’s flock.  I would like this greeting of peace to resound in your hearts, in your families, among all people, wherever they may be, in every nation and throughout the world.  Peace be with you!”

Our hearts are full of joy as we continue this Jubilee Year as Pilgrims of Hope led by Pope Leo.

Bishop Peter Murphy Episcopal Ordination and Installation

11th Bishop of Armidale

 A few hours before the world was introduced to Pope Leo XIV, our diocese celebrated the solemn ordination of the 11th Bishop of the Diocese of Armidale, Bishop Peter Murphy on the 8th of May. The solemn and historic liturgy was attended by 29 bishops and 60 diocesan and visiting clergy, including principal consecrator Sydney Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP and co-consecrators Bishop Mark Edwards of Wagga Wagga and our former Bishop of Armidale, Bishop Michael Kennedy.

The Cathedral overflowed with people from across the dioceses of Armidale, Wagga Wagga and beyond, with staff and students from our diocesan schools represented both in person, and watching over the livestream.

We are so excited to welcome Bishop Murphy to our diocese and look forward to working together for a hope filled future. 

I look forward to joining together with you for our Catholic Schools Week Mass and Spirit of Catholic Education Awards on Wednesday 28th May. This will be a great opportunity to hear from Bishop Murphy as he celebrates the Mass.