At the tail end of Laja season in Broome—a time of hot, humid buildup, heralding the promise of rain and renewal—more than 400 people gathered at St Mary’s College to witness the installation of the Most Rev Tim Norton SVD as the third Bishop of Broome, reports Melbourne Catholic.
This significant event, held on 4 December 2024, brought together clergy, community members and dignitaries from across the Kimberley and beyond to celebrate a new chapter in the life of the diocese.
Bishop Tim Norton SVD, accompanied by members of the local community, as he enters the Mass for his installation as Bishop of Broome via a traditional smoking ceremony. PHOTO: Keryn Moase via ACBC.
The installation was led by Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President and Archbishop of Perth Timothy Costelloe SDB, alongside Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Balvo and Bishop Michael Morrissey of Geraldton. More than a dozen bishops from around Australia also attended.
The installation Mass blended Catholic liturgy and Kimberley culture as Yawuru elders performed a traditional smoking ceremony and Erica Bernard delivered a heartfelt Welcome to Country. Local languages enriched the hymns, and the liturgy included a water blessing.
If we listen, particularly if we do it together, we can be changed and grow more fully into daughters and sons that God actually wants all of us to be.
In his homily, Bishop Norton recalled his time ministering to street gangs in Mexico, an experience that taught him to “take notice of the little ones, where this voice of God can be so prominent; the powerless ones, the ones who have no voice”.
“If we listen, particularly if we do it together, we can be changed and grow more fully into daughters and sons that God actually wants all of us to be,” he said, underscoring the importance of collaboration in building the future of the diocese and encouraging the faithful of Broome to “keep me accountable for listening, for learning, for working together so that the different gifts and different service is one and the same—it’s that same service to God”.
The installation Mass incorporated many aspects of Aboriginal culture from across the Kimberley. PHOTO courtesy of Tony McMahon (via ACBC):
Bishop Michael Morrissey, who served for three years as the Apostolic Administrator of the diocese, also addressed the congregation, framing the occasion within the context of the Laja season, linking the buildup of humid weather with the anticipation of growth and renewal under Bishop Norton’s leadership. During his three years in the role, he said, he’d observed a ‘beautiful, resilient faith’ in the community, and he commended Bishop Norton to the people of Broome, saying he was ‘well prepared’ to serve them.
As the evening transitioned from the liturgy to a joyful gathering on the nearby lawns, food and fellowship brought together those who had travelled from across the Kimberley and beyond in a time of celebration and hospitality.
Speaking at the conclusion of the Mass, Bishop Norton expressed a sense of excitement and joy in relation to his new appointment.
“I am here for ministry with you. I’m here for healing if it’s needed and it may well be. I’m here for listening. I’m here for working. I’m here for praying, and I’m here for having some fun with you as well. Whatever it takes, I’m really, really happy to be with you here in the Kimberley,” he said, drawing warm applause.
Bishop Norton brings with him a love for the Indigenous people of our nation, a heart for the poor and marginalised, and a ‘down-to-earth’ approach to the needs and realities of our time.
Also assisting at the installation Mass were (L-R) Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Balvo, Geraldton Bishop Michael Morrissey, ACBC President and Perth Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB and Archbishop of Brisbane Mark Coleridge. PHOTO courtesy of Tony McMahon (via ACBC)
In a statement before the Mass Archbishop Costelloe highlighted Bishop Norton’s missionary background and commitment, saying: “As a member of the Society of the Divine Word, Bishop Norton has a deep appreciation of the importance of cultural traditions in the living of the Christian faith.
“Having lived and worked in many different settings, both here in Australia and overseas, Bishop Norton brings with him a love for the Indigenous people of our nation, a heart for the poor and marginalised, and a down-to-earth approach to the needs and realities of our time.
“He will be a blessing not only to the Catholic community in the vast Diocese of Broome, but to all who live in the north-west.”
Born in Sydney in 1958, Bishop Norton’s path to the episcopacy reflects his commitment to service and mission. Before joining the priesthood, he worked as a physiotherapist in Darlinghurst, serving young people experiencing homelessness, addiction and mental health challenges.
After entering the Society of the Divine Word (SVD) in 1984, he ministered in parishes in Mexico and served as a leader within the Society in Australia, New Zealand and Thailand. His ministry extended to Italy, where he worked from 2014 to 2021, before being ordained Auxiliary Bishop of Brisbane in 2022.
The Diocese of Broome, covering 773,000 square kilometres, is home to a deeply spiritual and culturally rich community. Indigenous people comprise half of the Kimberley’s population and make up 61 per cent of the Catholics in the region.
This article was published in Melbourne Catholic, the publication of the Archdiocese of Melbourne.