Pope Leo XIV has appointed Sydney Auxiliary Bishop Daniel Meagher to be the 11th Bishop of Rockhampton.
Bishop Meagher will replace Bishop Michael McCarthy, who is retiring after 12 years of episcopal ministry.
Born in West Wyalong in the New South Wales Riverina region in 1961, Bishop Meagher moved with his family to Sydney as a young boy.
He attended St Ignatius’ College Riverview, then studied economics and later law at the University of Sydney.
During his university days he volunteered at the Matthew Talbot hostel for homeless men and the local St Vincent De Paul conference at St Canice’s parish in the inner Sydney suburb of Elizabeth Bay.
After working as a solicitor in a law firm, he undertook seminary training at St Patrick’s College and was ordained at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney in July 1995.
He completed a licentiate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in 2006.
Bishop Meagher was a key figure in preparation for and the celebration of World Youth Day in 2008 as director of catechesis.
From 2012-2014 he served as administrator of Sacred Heart Cathedral in Broken Hill in the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes.
He returned to Sydney to take up an appointment as Rector of the Seminary of the Good Shepherd from 2015 to 2020 and in 2021 he served as administrator of All Hallows, Five Dock.
His ordination as bishop took place on December 8, 2021, the Feast of the Immaculate Conception.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB welcomed the appointment.
“On behalf of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, I warmly congratulate Bishop Meagher on his appointment as Bishop of Rockhampton,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
“His wide-ranging experience in pastoral leadership, theological formation and service to the Church will be a great blessing to the people of Central Queensland.
“The Holy Father has entrusted the Diocese of Rockhampton to a bishop whose life reflects a deep commitment to faith, learning and service. From his early engagement with those experiencing homelessness to his leadership in seminary formation, Bishop Meagher brings a pastor’s heart and a teacher’s wisdom to his episcopal ministry.”
Further details: Catholic News | The Catholic Weekly
(Image courtesy Good Thief Photography and Archdiocese of Sydney)