Youngest Auxiliary Bishop for Archdiocese

Katrina Lee, Director, Catholic Communications
21 Apr 2011

A priest of the Diocese of Wollongong, Fr Comensoli is the new Auxiliary Bishop appointed to the Archdiocese of Sydney.

Ordained in May 1992, the Bishop-elect is 47 years old.

"I couldn't be called a young priest anymore but I understand I will be the youngest Bishop, and that is fairly daunting," Fr Comensoli said while preparing for the Chrism Mass and Consecration of Oils at St Mary's Cathedral this morning.

"In fact I think I am the first Bishop-elect to have been born during Vatican Council II and not before it!"

Fr Comensoli is the fourth son of Margaret and Michael Towradgi and he has spent much of his early years in the Wollongong area.

After studying Commerce at the University of Wollongong he entered St Patrick's Seminary at Manly. Following his ordination and serving in parishes on the south coast, Fr Comensoli left Australia to study Moral Theology at the Alfonsianum University in Rome. Upon his return he was appointed Diocesan Chancellor.

However 2006 saw Fr Comensoli arrive at St Andrews University in Scotland where he graduated with a Master of Letters in Moral Philosophy before starting his doctoral studies in Theological Ethics at Edinburgh University.

Since returning from Scotland last December he has administered the Parish of Helensburgh and this year took up a lecturing position also in moral theology at the Catholic Institute of Sydney.
"I have been asked if this is an honour for me but really it is not about me.," Fr Comensoli said.

"I feel it is an honour for my parents and family and very much for the people of the Wollongong diocese.

Fr Comensoli realises there will be many challenges in his new role but reflects the biggest challenge will be that which every Christian faces.

"That is letting people know Jesus is here, in our lives. Sometimes difficult  in a society where the Lord is often forgotten or even rejected. I think that's the chief task for me."

The Archbishop of Sydney, Cardinal George Pell said on the announcement; "I am delighted with the appointment of Bishop Comensoli. He is young and energetic, and has an unusual blend of extensive pastoral experience and high academic achievement. I hope he will be able to continue teaching at the Catholic Institute in Sydney.

"I am sure he will be warmly welcomed by the people of Sydney as they come to know him," Cardinal Pell said.

Fr Peter Comensoli will be ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney on 8th June at St Mary's Cathedral.