The College of Consultors of the Diocese of Broken Bay, the group of priests who have a canonical and civil role in the governance of the Diocese, met this afternoon (Friday 3 August) to fulfil its duty of electing a priest to serve as Diocesan Administrator, in the absence of a bishop following the appointment of Most Rev Peter A Comensoli as ninth Archbishop of Melbourne.
The College of Consultors has elected Very Rev Dr David Ranson, 59 years, who has accepted the position, effective immediately. Ordained to the Priesthood at Tarrawarra Abbey in 1992, Fr David was later incardinated into the Diocese of Broken Bay in 2006 whilst on appointment to the Catholic Institute of Sydney where he served from 2001-2015.
Fr David has served most recently as Apostolic Administrator-Delegate and Vicar General (2015-2018) for the Diocese, and is a member of the Diocesan College of Consultors. He is currently Parish Priest of Holy Name Wahroonga.
“I thank the Consultors for the confidence that they have placed in me by their election; and I assume this service to our local Church of Broken Bay with every sense of the responsibility that it entails,” Fr David said.
“We are blessed in the Diocese with strong leadership, including the College of Consultors, who I know will give great support and guidance during this time of transition.”
As Diocesan Administrator, Fr David will lead the Diocese of Broken Bay until the Holy Father, Pope Francis, appoints a new bishop. During this period between bishops, Canon Law states that there can be no innovation, but the many initiatives of Bishop Comensoli’s can be progressed through to their conclusion, with many functions and ministries of the Church continuing as normal.
“We go forward progressing the many initiatives of Bishop Comensoli’s exemplary leadership of the last three and half years, and, together, we await with prayerful and expectant hearts the appointment of a new Shepherd to lead us into the future.”