INSTALLATION TO MAITLAND NEWCASTLE

Ninth Bishop of Maitland / Newcastle Diocese

fRIDAY 17TH mARCH 2023

On Friday 17th March Bishop Michael Kennedy was officially Installed to the Maitland-Newcastle Diocese as their Ninth Bishop in a Liturgical Reception at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Hamilton.

There was over 550 guests in attendance including the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo, Archbishop Anthony Fisher, bishops from around Australia and representatives from every parish in the Diocese, gathered to witness this significant holy event.

Bishop Kennedy was greeted at the main doors to Sacred Heart Cathedral by Fr John Lovell, Rector of the Cathedral, and presented with a crucifix to venerate. As part of the Rite of Installation, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Balvo, read the Apostolic Letter of Appointment, and Archbishop Fisher guided Bishop Michael to the cathedral.

Once formally seated in the cathedral, Bishop Michael was installed as the Ninth Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle and welcomed by representatives of the people of the Diocese.

Congratulations Bishop Michael, you will be sorely missed from the Diocese of Armidale.

Diocesan Administrator

Monsignor Edward Wilkes Elected Diocesan Administrator Of Armidale

MONDAY 20TH mARCH 2023

On Monday 20th March the College of Consultors met in Armidale and elected Monsignor Edward Wilkes as Diocesan Administrator for the Diocese of Armidale in accordance with Canons 416-430 to lead the regional New South Wales Diocese following Bishop Michael Kennedy’s installation as the Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle.

As Diocesan Administrator, Msgr Wilkes will lead the Diocese during the period until the ordination and installation of the 11th Bishop of Armidale.

Msgr Wilkes will continue to serve as the Parish Priest of St Joseph’s parish in Uralla and Parish Administrator of St Patrick’s Parish, Walcha while undertaking the duties of Diocesan Administrator.

Congratulations Monsignor Wilkes!