Ordination of the Bishop of Sale postponed

28 September 2020
Monsignor Greg Bennet. Image: ACBC.

 

The Diocese of Sale in Victoria has announced that the Ordination and Installation of Bishop-elect Greg Bennet has been postponed.

Bishop-elect Bennet was meant to have been ordained on 20 October at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale.

In an announcement on the Diocese of Sale’s website, Diocesan Administrator Fr Peter Slater, explained that the decision was made in light of the current restrictions in regional Victoria announced by Premier Daniel Andrews.

“In light of the current circumstances of COVID-19 restrictions in the State of Victoria and following the announcement of ‘Steps’ by Premier Andrews for Regional Victoria and Metropolitan Melbourne, it is necessary to postpone the planned Ordination and Installation of Bishop-Elect Gregory Bennet which had been scheduled for 20 October at St Mary’s Cathedral, Sale. The Steps for Regional Victoria prevent public religious worship within the Cathedral and other settings (with special exemption for restricted funerals) until 23 November 2020,” Fr Slater says.

“The Diocese of Sale wishes to support the State Government in its efforts to ensure the health and safety of all Victorians. We are mindful of the many other important occasions which people have delayed or have been unable to celebrate.

“Once the Diocese is able to receive advice that we are able to proceed with the liturgy of Ordination and Installation of Bishop-Elect Bennet you will be notified immediately. As you would understand the liturgy will respect all restrictions as required. In any event the Ordination will be live-streamed in order that we can gather as One people in faith in welcoming our new bishop among us,” he said.

RELATED: Pope Francis appoints Msgr Greg Bennet Bishop of Sale

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On June 27, Pope Francis appointed Monsignor Greg Bennet, a priest of the Archdiocese of Melbourne, the 10th Bishop of Sale, following the Ninth Bishop of Sale, Bishop Patrick O’Regan’s appointment to the position of the Archdiocese of Adelaide.

Msgr Bennet was born and raised in Melbourne, completing his secondary education at Braemar College in Woodend, northwest of Melbourne. After working in banking for several years, he entered Corpus Christi College in 1986 and was ordained priest in 1992.

Following a number of parish appointments, Msgr Bennet undertook postgraduate study, gaining a master of science in pastoral counselling from Loyola College in Baltimore and a licentiate in sacred theology from the Angelicum University in Rome.

On his return, Msgr Bennet held several leadership positions within the Archdiocese of Melbourne, including as director of Ministry to Priests and later as inaugural director of the Office for Evangelisation. After additional parish ministry, he served as vicar general from 2012 to 2019.

With thanks to the Diocese of Sale and the ACBC.

 

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