Sydney welcomes Bishop Percy in sacred ceremony
Archbishop Fisher lays hands on Fr Tony Percy during his Episcopal Ordination. Image: Giovanni Portelli/The Catholic Weekly (Facebook)
Father Tony Percy was ordained as Auxiliary Bishop of Sydney in a solemn and reverent ceremony held at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sydney, on the feast of St. Athanasius.
Bishop Percy, a priest of the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn for 35 years, was ordained in a ceremony that attracted clergy, dignitaries, and faithful from all over Australia.
Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP presided over the event, which was rich in liturgical tradition and featured a solemn blend of choral music, striking visuals, aromatic incense, and ornate vestments. The presence of many priests and bishops highlighted the grandeur and reverence of the occasion.
Archbishop Fisher welcomed the congregation with heartfelt words, saying, “Today, we are privileged to celebrate the Episcopal ordination of Father Tony Percy, a priest whose decades of devoted service have left an indelible mark on the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn. His courage and pastoral heart will greatly bless our Archdiocese.”
Image: Giovanni Portelli/The Catholic Weekly(Facebook)
The ceremonial highlights included Archbishop Charles Balvo, Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, reading the Papal Bull, which confirmed Pope Francis’ appointment of Bishop Percy.
The document commended his pastoral abilities, stating, “Beloved son, we have seen in you the necessary gifts of courage, ability, and pastoral experience. We exhort you to assist your Archbishop to the greatest extent of your power and to serve the people and clergy with eagerness.”
Bishop Percy wore episcopal vestments from the late Archbishop Francis Carroll, who ordained him as a priest and whose legacy has deeply influenced his path.
At the Farewell Mass in Canberra, Archbishop Christopher Prowse presented Bishop Percy with an episcopal ring, symbolising his enduring connection with the Archdiocese he served for over three decades.
Additionally, Bishop Percy held a crozier gifted to him by the Archdiocese of Canberra and Goulburn, a visible sign of his pastoral mission and the support of his former community.
(L-R) Auxiliary Bishop Tony Percy with Archbishops Christopher Prowse, Anthony Fisher, Mark Coleridge and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo. Images Image: Giovanni Portelli/The Catholic Weekly (Facebook)
The occasion brought together notable clergy and civic leaders, including Archbishop Christopher Prowse, Archbishop Mark Coleridge of Brisbane, and Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
Civic dignitaries such as Senator Deborah O’Neill, the Honourable Susan Carter, and former Prime Minister Tony Abbott were also present. Bishop Percy’s siblings, Leo and Edwina, along with an extended family referred to fondly by Archbishop Fisher as an “army,” were in attendance to celebrate this significant moment.
Reflecting on the late John and Joan Percy’s absence, Archbishop Fisher said, “His parents will no doubt be watching proudly from heaven.”
Addressing the congregation for the first time after his ordination, Bishop Percy expressed gratitude for the trust placed in him and the guidance of his mentors.
Reflecting on his ordination, Bishop Percy humbly addressed the gathering, saying, “We, the priests and bishops, need your prayers because God chooses the weak and makes them strong.” His heartfelt words resonated with the congregation, highlighting his new mission’s humility and divine calling.
The ceremony also honoured the legacy of St Athanasius, whose life and teachings inspired the occasion.
“Like St Athanasius, our new bishop is called to defend, serve, and lead the faithful courageously in the light of the Gospel,” Archbishop Fisher said during his homily.
Image: Giovanni Portelli/The Catholic Weekly (Facebook)
He recounted the challenges of ministry and invoked the saint’s readiness to confront difficulty as an exemplar for all.
Bishop Percy’s long-standing dedication and contribution to the faith have been consistently recognised by his peers. A theologian, parish priest, and author, he has continually worked to deepen the faith and pastoral care of the community.
Archbishop Prowse expressed heartfelt sentiments during the Farewell Mass at St. Christopher’s Cathedral last month, saying, “We love you as a son of the Archdiocese, and that bond will never be forgotten. This appointment will define who God wants you to be for the rest of your life—a fisher of men and a shepherd of souls.”
Bishop Percy now begins his mission in Sydney, ready to serve with humility and courage. His ordination marked not just a chapter in his life but a moment of unity and spiritual renewal for all in attendance.