The recently-appointed cleric, who will take over the role in March, has already garnered a small following in the Bendigo community.

Churchgoers attending mass at the historic Sacred Heart Cathedral yesterday were excited at the prospect of welcoming their new bishop to the parish.

Although few were willing to comment publicly about his arrival, comments ranged from wishes of welcome to anticipation.

One elderly couple, newcomers to Bendigo, said Bishop Tomlinson’s appointment would be a significant event for the church.

“We are part of the archdiocese,” they said.

“We don’t know much about Bishop Tomlinson but we have heard great things and look forward to his arrival in March.”

Another churchgoer said he would have large shoes to fill in the absence of former Bishop Joseph Grech.

However, many regard him as a suitable replacement.

Bishop Tomlinson visited central Victoria on Friday where he had the opportunity to meet members of his new parish.

The Sacred Heart Cathedral bells rang at 10am to mark his appointment. The new bishop will take over from Monsignor Frank Marriott, who will return to his role as diocesan administrator.

Monsignor Marriott oversaw the day-to-day running of the church following the sudden death of Bishop Grech in December 2010.

Bishop Tomlinson will be instated by Archbishop Dennis Hart as the seventh Bishop of Sandhurst on Thursday, March 1.