30th Anniversary of Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Peter Connors

Bishop Peter 30 years The Diocese celebrated Mass with Bishop Peter Connors on the occasion of his 30th Anniversary of Episcopal Ordination as Bishop on Sunday, May 21 in St Patrick's Cathedral Ballarat. Bishop Peter was the main celebrant with Bishop Paul Bird concelebrating. Readers were Isa Connors, Vin Dillon and Sr Denise Desmarchelier ibvm, with the procession of gifts by Bernadette O’Loughlin and Mary Rieniets. The music was provided by St Patrick's Cathedral Choir and organist. St Patrick's Cathedral Parish Volunteers did a wonderful job of the decor. Morning tea in the hall was catered by Sally Morris.

Bishop Peter Joseph Connors was born in Mordialloc, Victoria, on March 6, 1937, eldest son of the late Walter and Isa Connors and was baptised into Christ on March 17, 1937. Educated at St Mary’s School, Lancefield, and Assumption College, Kilmore, he studied for the priesthood at Corpus Christi College, Werribee and Glen Waverley. He was ordained Deacon in Melbourne on March 18, 1961 and was ordained Priest for the Archdiocese of Melbourne on July 23,
1961.

After more than seven years in parish ministry at Frankston, Kyneton and East St Kilda, he obtained a doctorate in Canon Law from the Urban University in Rome. On his return in 1972, he was appointed Secretary to the Marriage Tribunal of Victoria and Tasmania. In 1974 he was appointed Secretary to Archbishop Frank Little and in 1976 was appointed Vicar General of the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

He was ordained Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Melbourne on May 21, 1987, and resided in the western region of the Archdiocese until he was installed as Bishop of Ballarat on July 23, 1997. Bishop Peter retired on July 31, 2012 after 15 years as Bishop of Ballarat.

Bishop Peter's homily can be read here.

Photos from the celebration can be viewed below:

We are a community of communities from the Murray to the sea.
Inspired by the Gospel and nourished by the Eucharist, we follow the example of Jesus and the guidance of the Holy Spirit, reaching out in joyful and humble service, caring for all of God’s creation, growing in love day by day and looking forward to life with God forever.

Diocesan Vision Statement

In the spirit of reconciliation, we acknowledge the traditional custodians of the lands in which the Diocese of Ballarat sits. We would like to pay our respects to Aboriginal Elders past, present and future. Their wisdom can help us care for the earth, our common home.

- Acknowledgement of Country -