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Dominican Friar Appointed Bishop

Bishop Anthony C. Fisher was appointed on Friday by Pope Benedict XVI as bishop of Parramatta, Australia. Bishop Fisher, 49, who currently serves as auxiliary bishop of Sydney, was Coordinator of the 2008 World Youth Day and is credited for his extensive work in helping organize it.

“It is a very great privilege to be entrusted with this role of leadership and service in the vibrant young diocese of Parramatta,” Bishop Fisher said on Friday. “Western Sydney is one the Australia's fasting growing areas, with a median age of only 32, many young families and numerous ethnic communities. Parramatta may be one of our youngest dioceses but it is already the fifth most populous in Australia and has many exciting possibilities.”

Speaking about the impact that the 2008 World Youth Day had on him personally, Bishop Fisher said that “World Youth Day brought home to me the importance of youth ministry and the major contribution young people can make to our Church today. I will be bringing that experience and energy to my new role.”

Born in South-West Sydney and educated in local schools, Bishop Fisher eventually studied History and Law at the University of Sydney. Following his studies there, he practiced in a law firm in the city and began his involvement in the pro-life movement.

In 1985 he entered the Order of Preachers (Dominicans) and began his theology studies in Melbourne. He was ordained a priest in 1991 and finished his doctorate in bioethics at the University of Oxford in 1995. In addition to lecturing in numerous countries and being widely published, Bishop Fisher served as foundation Director for the John Paul II Institute for Marriage and Family in Melbourne where he is still a professor.

“I have a passion for preaching, teaching and formation, and so I will be very interested in the disctinctive contribution the Catholic Church makes in this regard in the Diocese of Parramatta,” said the Bishop.

The installation Mass for Bishop Fisher will take place at St. Patrick's Cathedral in Parramatta on March 4, 2010.

reprinted from Catholic News Agency

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