The Catholic Diocese of Wagga Wagga has finally officially welcomed a new bishop after nearly four years of waiting.
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In a liturgical reception at St Michael's Cathedral on Wednesday morning, Bishop Mark Edwards OMI was installed as the sixth bishop of the diocese.
It comes after the retirement of Bishop Gerard Hanna in 2016 due to ill health after more than a decade in the role, with Archbishop Christopher Prowse of Canberra and Goulburn overseeing the diocese as it waited for a replacement.
Bishop Edwards was first announced as the new bishop of the diocese in late May, with Wednesday's installation marking the beginning of his time in the role.
He comes to the diocese after serving as an Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne.
Wednesday's installation ceremony looked very different to usual traditions, with just a small amount of parishioners and distinguished guests able to attend due to coronavirus restrictions.
A small choir sang hymns on behalf of the congregation, who were asked to refrain from singing for health reasons.
A virtual choir of students across Wagga Catholic Diocese schools took part in the ceremony, with video footage from classrooms across the region playing as Bishop Edwards was welcomed to the parish by leaders across the Catholic community and other faith groups.
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Speaking at the ceremony, Bishop Edwards thanked the diocese for their patience over the years without a bishop and praised the efforts of Archbishop Prowse in overseeing the diocese.
"I'm grateful to the people and clergy of the diocese who have made me so welcome and who have prayed for a bishop of the diocese," he said.
"To be bishop of this diocese is a call from God through the church."
Paying tribute to those who were unable to attend, Bishop Edwards gave special mention to those living in border communities who are currently managing increased restrictions.
He encouraged parishioners to continue to learn and adopt safe ways of living during the pandemic.
"It's our way of caring for our brothers and sisters," he said.
The ceremony was livestreamed for members of the public to watch, and a link to the footage remains on the diocese website.
