Last week The Advertiser reported the Vatican would not allow the ordination in St Kilian’s Catholic Church because of the wider ramifications it would have.

Bendigo’s Anglican Bishop Andrew Curnow said that for the first time in Australia, four women would be ordained as pioneer ministers.

“It’s a significant and historic event for the diocese and the church,” he said.

Bishop Curnow said he had put the controversy of last week behind him and was delighted with how smoothly the ordination went.

“The crowd has been overwhelming,” he said.

“It was a challenging time, but it’s all behind us.

“It’s the largest gathering I’ve seen at something of this nature.

“Even people with no connection to the Anglican church have come.

“I think people wanted to be here after all the controversy to make a positive statement.”

Bishop Curnow said the ordination was a life-changing afternoon for the seven deacons.

“There’s a sense of gathering and coming together today,” he said.

“This group of seven are a remarkable group.

“There’s a strong sense of gathering and coming together today.

“We’ve got a diverse and rich range of people.”