INTRODUCTION TO THE INSTALLATION MASS OF BISHOP VINCENT LONG VAN NGUYEN OFMCONV AS FOURTH BISHOP OF PARRAMATTA
My dear brothers and sisters in Christ, It is a joy to be back with you in St Patrick's Cathedral on this historic occasion as Bishop Vincent Long van Nguyen OFMConv is installed as Bishop of Parramatta. In particular I acknowledge His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana, who represents His Holiness Pope Francis. I also salute Archbishops and Bishops from around Australia, especially Bishop Kevin Manning the second Bishop of Parramatta.
I greet the priests, deacons, religious and lay faithful of this local church of Parramatta. This is a night of great rejoicing for you and all in the diocese. I welcome visiting priests from surrounding dioceses and those from Bishop Vincent's former home, the Archdiocese of Melbourne. I acknowledge the presence of many consecrated men and women and, in particular, members of Bishop Vincent's own religious order of Friars Minor Conventual. I would also like to acknowledge Fr. Peter Williams, who administered this diocese for the past twenty months: by all accounts he has done splendidly!
I welcome the many civic leaders with us this evening: in particular Senator Arthur Sinodinus, representing the Prime Minister, and the Member for Parramatta Julie Owens, representing the Leader of the Opposition: we especially appreciate your presence and the other federal members at this very busy time for you – though it may be some relief from the endless campaigning. From the state of New South Wales I acknowledge the Leader of the Opposition, Mr Luke Foley, and other MPs representing constituencies within the diocese, as well as many municipal councillors, including former councillors of the City of Parramatta. I acknowledge Consul Marford Angeles, representing the Consul-General of the Philippines, and ethnic community leaders.
It gives us much joy that Bishop Vincent's mother, Mrs van Quang Nguyen is here, along with his godmother, Mrs Thi-man Truong, and four of his siblings with their families. Many of the bishop's friends are here too, some having come from interstate or overseas. There are also many members of the Vietnamese Catholic community celebrating the first Vietnamese-Australian bishop of a diocese. You are all most welcome.
Bishop Vincent will quickly discover that Western Sydney is a most energetic and energizing part of the Church in Australia today. It is the most Catholic part of our nation and where the Church is youngest, most ethnically diverse and fastest growing. Parramatta is also the only Australian diocese in which all those who have been privileged to be Bishop are still alive; given that His Lordship can expect to have 20 years ahead of him we may not all be here to welcome the fifth Bishop of Parramatta! I have known Vincent since seminary days and can assure the priests and people of Parramatta that they are receiving a shepherd after the heart of the Good Shepherd!
The installation of a new bishop marks the commencement of a new chapter in the life of the local church. These times call for bishops of faith and compassion, of courage and mercy. Pope Francis has expressed confidence that Bishop Vincent is the man for this job. As Metropolitan Archbishop and as the bearer of the most recent posterior to have occupied this chair, it will be my privilege to seat the new Bishop in it. But first I must ask His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Yllana: Do we have a mandate from the Holy See.
Nuncio: We do
Archbishop: Let it be read.