The Very Rev Dr David Ranson has been elected the Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Broken Bay this afternoon by the Diocese’s College of Consultors.
This follows the appointment of the Most Rev Anthony Randazzo as Prefect of the Dicastery for Legislative Texts and Archbishop by Pope Leo XIV.
Archbishop Randazzo flew out of Australia this week to take up his new ministry with the Roman Curia at the Vatican.
Very Rev Dr David Ranson will assume the role of Diocesan Administrator immediately while also maintaining his role of Parish Priest at Chatswood.
The Diocese Administrator maintains continuity by keeping the Diocese functioning smoothly, ensuring continuity of pastoral care, administration, and existing ministries. However the Diocesan Administrator cannot make decisions that bind the incoming bishop.
At this stage there is no indication when the Pope will appoint the fifth Bishop of Broken Bay.
Appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Broken Bay in 2015, Fr David has also served as Diocesan Administrator from August 2018 following the appointment of the Most Rev Peter A. Comensoli by the Holy Father to the Archdiocese of Melbourne,
Until November 2019 when the Most Rev Randazzo was installed as the fourth Bishop of Broken Bay. In recent years he has also been Moderator of the Curia in the Diocese.
Following his election today, Fr David Ranson thanked the College of Consultors, a group of priests who serve as a primary advisory body and assist in diocese governance, for their trust placed in him.
“This is a trust I never presume or take for granted,” he said.
“My singular hope is that I can serve the Clergy and the Diocese to the best of my capacity in the coming months.
“This can be a privileged time of reflection, shared responsibility, prayer, discernment, and the activity initiated by Archbishop Anthony and to give thanks for the ways in which his ministry enriched our life together.”
During the time of Diocesan administration, the role of Vicar General and Moderator of the Curia cease as does the conduct of the Council of Priests.
The canonical roles of Diocesan Financial Officer, Chancellor, and Vice-Chancellor continue as does the service of the Diocese Finance Council.
Read more about Fr David Ranson here.
