Dioceses’ Bishops welcomed, farewelled

THE Catholic Diocese of Ballarat has a new Bishop.

The Diocese last Thursday 19 March celebrated the Episcopal Ordination and Installation of Father Mark Freeman as the ninth Bishop of Ballarat with an Ordination Mass held at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Dawson Street.

The ordination and installation were led by Melbourne Archbishop Peter A Comensoli with assisting bishops from all over Australia, and they brought together bishops, clergy, parish representatives, ecumenical guests, civic representatives, and members of the wider community.

In addition to about 500 people inside the cathedral, the ceremony was livestreamed to hundreds across the country.

The ceremony included prayers of consecration and the formal seating of Bishop Freeman in the cathedral, symbolising the beginning of episcopal leadership in the Diocese.

“I am deeply humbled by the trust placed in me and grateful for the prayers and support of this community,” the newly installed Bishop Freeman said.

“Together, we are called to serve with faith, hope, and love, proclaiming compassion, courage and justice in the world.”

Bishop Freeman, 66, takes up the significant new role after previously serving as Parish Priest in Bellerive-Lindisfarne, in the Archdiocese of Hobart, Tasmania, and he succeeds Bishop Paul Bird who has retired after reaching the age 75, having served as Bishop of Ballarat since 2012.

Last Wednesday 18 March, the Ballarat Diocese also marked the conclusion of Bishop Bird’s many years of leadership, pastoral care and dedicated service to the community with a Mass of Thanksgiving held at St Patrick’s Cathedral before a crowd of hundreds.

“As I draw towards the end of my service as Bishop of Ballarat, I’m glad of this opportunity to give thanks for the years I’ve spent in this role and I’m grateful to you all for joining me in the Eucharist, our great prayer of thanks,” the retiring Bishop Bird said.

“I give thanks to God for the blessings of my time as Bishop of Ballarat and I give thanks to each one of you, those here in the cathedral and those joining us online. I thank you for the support you have given me in this ministry.”

Throughout his years of service, Bishop Bird was widely respected for his warm pastoral presence, thoughtful guidance and unwavering dedication to fostering a sense of unity and hope within the church.