Bishop Les Tomlinson.
The service began about noon when a procession of more than 100 religious leaders entered the cathedral ahead of trumpet fanfare to announce the arrival of Bishop Tomlinson.Monsignor Frank Marriott teared up as he welcomed Bishop Tomlinson to the role and spoke about the history of the Sacred Heart Cathedral and the people of Sandhurst.Uncle Brien Nelson and the Red Orchre Dancers performed a welcome to country before Bishop Tomlinson donned a vest and wafted incense over the alter.Monsignor John White read Bishop Tomlinson’s letter of appointment before the new Bishop of Sandhurst signed the book of appointments that had travelled to Bendigo from Rome.Monsignor White said Bishop Tomlinson was well-respected by members of the clergy.‘‘He is endowed with proven qualities and abundantly skilled in sacred matters,” he said. About 30 representatives from the various communities, organisations, Christian churches and parishes of the Deaneries of Sandhurst were invited to meet Bishop Tomlinson.The bishop could not wipe the smile off his face as he shook hands with people and later posed for photographs with school students.“I would like to take this opportunity to express my deep gratitude to all those who united to produce such a beautiful ceremony today,’ he said.“I’d also like to publicly thank Monsignor Marriott for all he has done in caring for the diocese in the interim.” Bishop Tomlinson grew up in Mildura and was ordained into the priesthood for the Melbourne archdiocese in 1972.He was appointed Titular Bishop of Sinitis in 2009 and went on to serve as an auxiliary to the archbishop of Melbourne.Bishop Tomlinson said it was lovely to see so many familiar faces while he was distributing communion.“Stretching right back to my Mildura days and more recently to Melbourne,” he said.Subscribe now for unlimited access.
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