BRISBANE Auxiliary Bishop Ken Howell has been appointed the next Bishop of Toowoomba by Pope Francis today, the feast of Our Lady Help of Christians.
Bishop Howell, who has been a priest of Brisbane archdiocese for 40 years, said he was humbled to be called by Pope Francis to shepherd Toowoomba diocese.
He said he hoped to bring a ministry of “genuine engagement with the people” to Toowoomba.
“I’m standing on the edge of some new challenges and new opportunities; I see it as a great opportunity to be with people – especially in a country diocese.
“I think that will be a great joy for me.”
Bishop Howell paid tribute to Toowoomba Bishops Robert McGuckin and William Morris for their leadership over the last 30 years.
“I very much look forward to seeking out their wisdom as I move into being Bishop of Toowoomba,” he said.
He said he knew the diocese had been in “excellent hands” when he takes over from Bishop McGuckin.
Bishop Howell said his first priority as bishop would be to listen and learn.
“I need to understand what the (Toowoomba) diocese is about and where people are coming from,” he said.
He wanted to learn about the challenges and the joys, and also to share in the lives of the people, share what it means to be a member of the diocese and, of course, share the Gospel.
Bishop Howell said there had always been a special connection between Brisbane and Toowoomba priests.
“We seem to socialise together for important events like jubilees, so it’s not as if I’m going into strange territory,” he said.
Bishop Howell also has family roots in Toowoomba.
“My father grew up in Oakey… his sister lived in Jandowae, and on my mother’s side there were relatives who lived in Quilpie,” he said.
But after 40 years of priesthood and six years as bishop in Brisbane, he said he was leaving with both gratitude and a touch of sadness.
He held a heartfelt “thank you” for everyone who had befriended him in his ministry in Brisbane.
“It’s the story of one’s life when you think back over 40 years,” he said.
“There’s been some very significant things that have happened in those 40 years.
“That’s always where the mystery of God (is) – when you look back, you see where the hand of God has been and where the Spirit has been leading.”
Bishop Howell said he had learned a lot from the last six years as auxiliary bishop and the last two years as vicar general of Brisbane archdiocese.
For one, it taught him how to be a bishop, he said.
His time as vicar general had also taught him a lot about governance and running of a diocese.
“I’m sure (it) will be very helpful when I get to decisions that need to be made and problems that may need to be solved,” he said.
Bishop McGuckin was in Brisbane for the announcement and congratulated Bishop Howell on his appointment.
“I wish Bishop Ken every blessing as he takes up his pastoral ministry in this vast and special diocese,” he said.
He said it had been a privilege and honour to be the bishop of Toowoomba.
Bishops submit their resignation letter at 75 and after a four a half year search, he said “they’ve chosen a very worthwhile successor to come on now as the seventh Bishop of Toowoomba”.
“Bishop Ken brings great gifts,” he said.
“I’ve always said it’s a very special diocese.
“Oftentimes you have these smaller communities and some of these churches only have (a few) people, but they’re very proud of their church.
“Toowoomba itself is a city that’s growing, it’s got a university and lots of schools and ongoing challenges to be faced there.”
Bishop McGuckin was also celebrating his golden jubilee this year – 50 years as a priest.
He was ordained the same day the Sydney Opera House was opened, and only just down the road as he originally came from New South Wales.
His ministry was all about “answering the call”.
“You don’t have a plan set out for when you’re ordained.
“You’re asked to do things and you respond graciously, and I think the Spirit works through all that.
Bishop Howell’s installation as the seventh Bishop of Toowoomba will be held on July 11 at St Patrick’s Cathedral.
Bishop Howell has asked for people of Toowoomba diocese to pray for him as he prepares for his installation.
“Your prayer will be my greatest support,” he said.
“May our blessed Mother, Our Lady of the Southern Cross, pray for us all.”