The Church's universality was on display on Tuesday when new Port Pirie Bishop Karol Kulczycki SDS was ordained in Poland by Philippines prelate and Apostolic Nuncio to Australia, Archbishop Adolfo Tito Yllana. Source: The Southern Cross.
A map showing the vast Port Pirie Diocese and the Australian flag were displayed prominently in the Basilica of the Sacred Heart of Jesus in Trzebinia, where ribbons were draped from the ceiling for the special occasion.
The COVID-19 pandemic prevented Bishop Kulczycki from returning to Australia for his episcopal ordination.
Live-streamed on Polish Catholic television, the three-hour service was conducted in English but with translated addresses and Polish commentary throughout.
After reading the Bull of Appointment, the Apostolic Nuncio said it was “truly a fitting day to celebrate with great joy an extraordinary event of grace in recognising and acknowledging God’s work in man, choosing a priest to share in the fullness of Christ’s priesthood as bishop of the Catholic Church”.
“Fr Karol, as you embark on your mission in the land of Australia, where you served the local Church as a missionary for about 20 years, we pray to the blessed Mother to whom you have devoted your entire life as a faithful son that she may continue to guard you, protect you and lead you towards her son, the eternal priest and Good Shepherd,” Archbishop Yllana said.
In a message on behalf of the Port Pirie faithful, Bishop Greg O’Kelly SJ said the diocese welcomed with “great joy” its new bishop.
“We know the wheels of Rome turn slowly, but our people down here had no idea they would take a detour through Poland.”
The video of the ordination Mass can be viewed at https://www.sdsau.com/bishop/.
Australia's newest bishop ordained in Poland (By Jenny Brinkworth, The Southern Cross)