On the rise: Bishop Anthony Randazzo, who oversaw training for priests at Holy Spirit Seminary Queensland for seven years, will shepherd Catholics across Sydney’s north shore and the New South Wales central coast.

QUEENSLAND’S former seminary rector Bishop Anthony Randazzo has been named the fourth bishop of Broken Bay diocese.

Bishop Anthony Randazzo, who oversaw training for priests at Holy Spirit Seminary Queensland for seven years, will shepherd Catholics across Sydney’s north shore and the New South Wales central coast.

The 53 year old has always been a favourite in Queensland, having been ordained a priest for Brisbane in 1991.

He said the people of Broken Bay were already in his heart and prayers.

“I look forward to being officially installed as your Bishop, but please know that you are already in my heart and in my prayers during this time,” he said.

“Along with the priests and deacons of the Diocese, I am eager to walk with you, imitating Christ as the Good Shepherd who is always present amongst His flock.

“I am grateful to God and to Pope Francis for the trust that has been placed in me to lead, guide and accompany the people of God in the Diocese of Broken Bay.”

Referring to the coat of arms for his new diocese, which depicts a lighthouse and the Chi Rho – an early symbol for Christ – Bishop Randazzo reminded the faithful that “Christ is our light”.

“He leads us and guides us, both to the open waters and back in to safe harbour,” he said.

“He is not just light for me or for the Diocese. He is the light of the world.”

Bishop Randazzo is expected to be installed as the Bishop of Broken Bay in early November.

He takes over from Archbishop Peter Comensoli, who was appointed Archbishop of Melbourne in July 2018.

Bishop Randazzo has been a bishop since 2016, when he was ordained an auxiliary bishop for Sydney alongside New Zealand-born Bishop Richard Umbers.

In welcoming the appointment, Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Archbishop Mark Coleridge said Bishop Randazzo would bring to Broken Bay gifts of both grace and nature, as well as a broad experience of the Church local and universal in Brisbane, Sydney and Rome.

“The prayers and good wishes of all the bishops are with Bishop Randazzo as he prepares for his new mission and with the people of God entrusted to his care,” Archbishop Coleridge said.

– Emilie Ng