Installation Mass 28th May
On Thursday 28th May, a Solemn Mass of Installation was celebrated at St Joseph’s Cathedral to install Bishop Daniel (Danny) Joseph Meagher as the 11th Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Rockhampton. The Mass was attended by the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo, Archbishop of Brisbane, Shane Mackinlay, predecessor and recently retired Bishop Michael McCarthy as well as other Diocesan Bishops and Priests of Rockhampton and the local region.
At the Mass Bishop Meagher shared his appreciation and thanks to Bishop Michael for assisting with the transition into the episcopal leadership role of the Diocese. His Lordship also invited the Diocesan community “let’s give it a crack, let’s be adventurous, try things, make mistakes, St Peter made lots of mistakes, and above all, let’s live”. Beginning his role sharing a down to earth Homily message to love God, serve the community, taking special care for the poor and marginalised.
About Bishop Daniel Joseph Meagher 11th Bishop of Rockhampton
Born on 10th November 1961 in Sydney, Bishop Daniel Joseph Meagher studied economics and civil law at Sydney University and worked as a lawyer prior to entering the Good Shepherd Seminary. He was ordained a priest 22nd July 1995 and served as a priest in the Archdiocese of Sydney.
Up until his recent appointment in Rockhampton, Bishop Meagher was titular bishop of Pocofelto and Auxiliary Bishop at Sydney since 8th December 2021. Bishop Meagher was appointed Bishop of Rockhampton by Pope Leo XIV on 1 April 2026.
Diocese of Rockhampton
Located in far west Queensland, the Diocese of Rockhampton serves approximately 110,000 Catholics across 410,000 square kilometres. Covering regional cities, as well as farming, mining and tourism areas the Diocese has 31 parishes and parishioners from diverse backgrounds including Catholics from Philippines, Vietnam and India.
Retired Bishop Michael Fabian McCarthy
Bishop Michael Fabian McCarthy was appointed Bishop of the Diocese of Rockhampton by Pope Francis 10th March 2014 and served as Bishop since 29th May 2014. His time as Bishop was marked by an emphasis on community outreach, in particular responses to those who were impacted by natural disasters, as well as the promotion of ecumenical dialogue. Over the last 12 years shepherding the Diocese through droughts, fires, floods, pandemics, cyclones, hail storms, tragedies, listening sessions, Chrism Masses, Jubilee celebrations, Diocesan Assemblies, openings & blessings, prayer, liturgies, Masses, Sacraments and insurance issues and more.
At age 75 Bishop McCarthy submitted his resignation to Pope Leo XIV from his role at the Diocese of Rockhampton and farewelled the Diocese as he enters into retirement stating “I’ve spent my last 12 years here and loved being here, among our people of our diocese, from Mackay in the north, right down to Bundaberg in the south, to Yeppoon in the east, way out to the west to a little place called Bedourie…” citing in particular the large size of the Diocese.
Spiritual Resolution
As we celebrate the installation of Bishop Daniel Meagher, let us join our prayers with the Diocese of Rockhampton. Let us resolve to:
The Sacrament of Confession: To seek the “peace of Christ” in our own souls, that we may be better instruments of reconciliation in our families and communities.
Eucharistic Adoration: To pray especially for those living in the land of Queensland who face natural disasters from fire and drought to flooding and cyclones.
The Holy Rosary: To entrust the ministry of Bishop Meagher to the maternal care of Mary, the Mother of God, Our Lady Help of Christians, patroness of Australia.
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