Bishop-Elect Tony Percy, ‘Son of the Archdiocese’ bids farewell

Bishop-Elect Tony Percy walks through a guard of honour created by the Archdiocesan clergy after his farewell Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral.

With a host of assembled clergy, hymns soaring and a cathedral filled with well-wishers, the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn turned out in force to bid a heartfelt farewell to Bishop-Elect Tony Percy last night.

“We love you as a son of the Archdiocese, which will never be forgotten,” Archbishop Christopher Prowse said as he presented Fr Percy with a crozier during the Farewell Mass at St Christopher’s Cathedral.

“This will define who God wants you to be for the rest of your life – a fisher of men and a shepherd of souls.”

In February, Pope Francis appointed Fr Percy as the next Auxiliary Bishop of the Catholic Archdiocese of Sydney. He departs for Sydney on Monday, ahead of his episcopal consecration on May 2 at St Mary’s Cathedral.

Chairman of the Council of Priests and Cooma parish priest, Fr Mark Croker, reflected on Fr Percy’s journey as he presented him with an episcopal ring.

“It is a proud night for our Archdiocese to say that we have our own Fr Tony Percy as a bishop,” he said.

“I remember when Fr Percy was going to Queanbeyan as a seminarian—he was so proud of being the youngest priest in the diocese at the time. And now, for a little while, he will be the youngest bishop.”

Archbishop Prowse holds the crozier and episcopal ring gifted to Bishop Tony Percy at his farewell Mass

Ordained in December 1990, Fr Percy began his ministry in Young, Queanbeyan, and Goulburn. After a period of advanced study in the United States, earning a Doctorate in Sacred Theology, Fr. Percy returned to serve as rector of the Good Shepherd Seminary under the invitation of the late Cardinal George Pell.

In 2015, Fr Percy became Vicar General of the Archdiocese, serving for eight years while also leading parishes in Wanniassa and Queanbeyan. Most recently, he was a parish priest at St Gregory’s, Queanbeyan.

Beyond the pulpit, Fr Percy has been a vocal advocate on civic matters, particularly during the ACT Government’s 2023 takeover of Calvary Hospital.

Under his leadership, the Archdiocesan “Save Calvary” campaign gathered over 50,000 signatures, demonstrating his unwavering commitment to defending religious freedom and property rights.

As Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Sydney, Fr Percy is eager to continue his passion for preaching.

“As a bishop, you unite people in faith, and your prime role is to preach—which has always been a joy to me,” he said. “It just means, as a bishop, you have more opportunities beyond your parish to reach people. Archbishop Fisher said when you become a bishop, you really feel responsibility for the whole of the church, so that’s worth looking forward to.”

He also hopes to be an active voice in social and civic issues, particularly those affecting religious communities and broader society.

“The values that are important for us as Catholics, but also for all people of faith, and those people who want a free and fair society – I think bishops should get involved and be active in those issues,” he said.

“I look forward to contributing to the public discourse. I think that’s very important.”

As the Farewell Mass concluded, Fr Croker noted Fr Percy was an outstanding scholar, with 27 years of study and a wealth of knowledge behind him.

“That ability to stand and speak from your head and your heart with conviction is a wonderful gift to take into the role you will soon be asked to fulfil,” he said.

“We never know what God’s plan for you might be in the future, but Canberra and Goulburn will always be your true home.”