Pope Francis Appoints Bishop Timothy Norton SVD as the New Bishop of Broome.
The Diocese of Wollongong celebrates the appointment of Bishop Timothy Norton SVD, previously Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane, as the third Bishop of Broome. This significant announcement by Pope Francis brings hope and renewal to the Diocese of Broome after more than three years of vacancy!
Born in Sydney in 1958, Bishop Norton’s journey to this appointment is one marked by deep compassion and commitment to serving those on the margins. Originally trained as a physiotherapist, his early work with vulnerable young people experiencing homelessness, addiction, and mental health challenges in Darlinghurst reflected his heart for those in need. This foundation led him to the Society of the Divine Word in 1984, where he took his vows, and eventually to his ordination as a priest in 1991.
Bishop Norton’s ministry spans continents and communities—from parishes in Mexico to leadership roles in Australia and Italy. His work has touched the lives of many, especially through his dedication to Indigenous communities and those who are poor and marginalised. His most recent service as Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane has been marked by a spirit of collaboration and a commitment to renewal, particularly in rural and remote areas of Australia.
Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, remarked:“Bishop Norton will bring energy, vision, and a profound love for the people of Broome, especially for the Indigenous communities that are at the heart of this vast diocese.”
The Diocese of Broome, covering an area larger than France, is a land rich in culture and tradition. With over 61 percent of Catholics identifying as Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander, Bishop Norton’s commitment to fostering relationships within these communities will be a tremendous blessing.
We ask our community to pray for Bishop Norton as he embarks on this new chapter, bringing with him a wealth of experience, a deep love for the Church, and a heart filled with compassion.
We have included below a beautiful prayer, inspired by the Diocese of Sale, which they prayed for their new Bishop.
A PRAYER FOR THE NEWLY APPOINTED BISHOP TIMOTHY NORTON SVD
Loving God,
in your faithfulness,
we ask you to bless Bishop Timothy Norton SVD
as he begins his ministry in the Diocese of Broome.
Grant him the wisdom, strength, and compassion
to continue the good work of his predecessors.
In your love for us,
guide him as he leads us to be Christ’s heart of mercy,
voice of hope, and hands of justice.
Fill his mind and heart with the truth of the Gospel,
the power of the sacraments,
and the desire to build up your holy Church.
We ask this through Jesus Christ, your Son and our Lord,
in the unity of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever.
Amen.
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The Catholic Development Fund, Diocese of Wollongong (the Fund) is required by law to make the following disclosure: The Fund is not prudentially supervised by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority nor has it been examined or approved by the Australian Securities and Investments Commission. An investor in the Fund will not receive the benefit of the financial claims scheme or the depositor protection provisions in the Banking Act 1959 (Cth). Investments in the Fund are intended to be a means for investors to support the charitable, religious and education works of the Diocese of Wollongong and for whom the consideration of profit are not of primary relevance in the investment decision. The investments that the Fund offers are not subject to the usual protections for investors under the Corporations Act (Cth) or regulation by Australian Securities and Investments Commission. Investors may be unable to get some or all of their money back when the investor expects or at all and any investment of the Fund are not comparable to investments with banks, finance companies or fund managers. The Fund’s identification statement may be viewed at www.cdfwollongong.org.au or by contacting the Fund. The Fund does not hold an Australian Financial Services Licence.
Our diocesan logo is theologically rich and very succinct. As a hand, it depicts our mission as a diocese and as individuals within the diocese, of bearing (bringing, carrying) Christ’s love to one another and to the world around us. In this, we are the hand of Jesus Christ, and we are offering ourselves to him so that he might work through us.
We can be the bearers of his love only as a response to his call and in the strength of his grace. We are reminded of this in two ways—through the symbol of the dove (the Holy Spirit) also present in the logo, and by the incorporation of the cross that segments the logo. The presence of the cross is a reminder that bearing the love of Christ will inevitably cost us if we live it authentically. However, in the way that the Cross is the portent of redemption and life—an echo of the tree of life in the book of Genesis—so becoming bearers of the love of Christ will also bring us to life.
The four fingers of the hand also represent the four regions of our diocese. The first is bluerepresenting the beautiful water of the Shoalhaven. The second is a blue and green combination representing the waters and escarpment of the Illawarra. The third is greendepicting the hills and plains of the Macarthur. The fourth is dark green illustrating the forests of the Southern Highlands.
