NEW BISHOP APPOINTED FOR DIOCESE OF GERALDTON
Bishop Justin Bianchini is proud to announce that Pope Francis has this evening, Monday 15 May 2017, officially appointed Fr Michael Morrissey as the new Bishop of Geraldton.
Bishop Bianchini said that Bishop-elect Morrissey will be consecrated the ninth Bishop of Geraldton by The Most Reverend Timothy Costelloe SDB, Archbishop of Perth, on Wednesday 28 June. The co-consecrators will be Archbishop Barry Hickey and Bishop Justin Bianchini.
“This is an historic occasion for the Diocese of Geraldton as Bishop-elect Morrissey is the first priest of the Diocese of Geraldton in its 119 year history to be appointed the Bishop of the Diocese. It is as if he has the DNA of the Diocese within him. It is in a sense a coming of age for the Diocese”, said Bishop Bianchini.
“Fr Michael has a good knowledge of the Diocese having ministered in it from north to south. He will be a rich gift to the Diocese, bringing with him many administrative and pastoral skills. He also has the qualities of a true shepherd for the Priests, Religious and People of the Diocese”, he said.
Bishop-elect Morrissey is the son of Harry (dec.) and Margaret Morrissey, formerly of Noongall Station, Yalgoo.
Born at St John of God Hospital Geraldton in 1952, Bishop-elect Morrissey grew up in Yalgoo, doing his primary education through School of the Air. His Secondary education years were spent at Aquinas College, Perth. His priestly formation occurred through St Charles’ Seminary, Guildford, WA, and St Francis Xavier’s Seminary, Adelaide, SA.
Bishop-elect Morrissey was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Geraldton by the late Bishop Francis Xavier Thomas on 31 January 1981. He has served in the parishes of Bluff Point, South and Port Hedland, Karratha, Geraldton and Mullewa. He has held a variety of Diocesan roles including Chancellor and Vicar General.
From 1983 to 2015 Bishop-elect Morrissey served as an Army Reserve Chaplain, his last appointment being Senior Chaplain of the 2nd Reserve Division of Australia.