News

After days of rain, and a beautiful early morning rainbow, Thursday 28 May saw St Joseph’s Cathedral bathed in glorious sunshine for the Solemn Mass of Installation where Bishop Danny Meagher become the 11^th Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton.

The Solemn Mass of Installation on the Thursday morning followed on from Solemn Vespers with the Liturgical Reception of Bishop Danny, held at St Joseph’s Cathedral at 5pm on Wednesday 27 May.

The Mass of Installation was attended by Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo, Brisbane Archbishop Shane Mackinlay, retiring Bishop of the Rockhampton Diocese, Bishop Michael McCarthy, other Diocesan Bishops, Priests of the Rockhampton and other Dioceses, leaders of other faith communities, family and friends of Bishop Danny and members of the Rockhampton Catholic and wider communities.

St Joseph’s Cathedral looked magnificent bedecked in beautiful flowers and flowing golden drapes shimmering against the backdrop of the ancient sandstone from which the Cathedral was built. Those attending the Mass were warmly greeted at the doors by helpful welcomers whose friendly smile set the scene for the joyous celebration to Follow.

In his opening words, Archbishop Shane Mackinlay paid tribute to Bishop Michael McCarthy for the pastoral leadership he had provided for the Diocese of Rockhampton over the past 12 years.

In his Homily, Bishop Danny said he felt very welcomed by the Diocesan community and he was deeply touched by the hospitality shown to him over the past week. He said he looked forward to serving the Diocese to the best of his ability in the years to come.

Bishop Danny thanked Bishop Michael for facilitating a smooth transition for him to episcopal leadership of the Diocese. He also thanked those who assisted Bishop Michael in the organization of the Mass of Installation and the Vespers held the previous day. He said he wished to especially thank the musicians and singers who had provided the most beautiful music for these events. Bishop Danny acknowledged with a grateful heart all who had travelled long distances to attend the Mass of Installation, particularly his mother Elizabeth and other members of his family.

The Homily message of loving God, serving all in our community, especially the poor and the marginalised, and living life resonated deeply with the congregation. In the final words of his Homily, Bishop Danny invited the Diocesan community to “let’s give it a crack, let’s be adventurous, try things, make mistakes, St Peter made lots of mistakes, and above all, let’s live”.