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Michael Gielen was ordained and installed as auxiliary bishop of Auckland on Saturday.
More than 3,000 filled the Vodafone Events Centre.
The events centre was needed because so many people wanted to attend, the cathedral was not big enough.
Bishop Michael was ordained to be his long-needed assistant by Bishop Pat Dunn, Bishop of Auckland.
On his Facebook page, Dunn wrote: “the joy and excitement was palpable”.
“How uplifting to see so many young people involved! The music and ceremony, representing our ancient traditions as well as the culture of the many communities who form part of our Church.”
- Click here to see photographs and videos on Bishop Pat’s Facebook page
- Click here to see photographs and videos on The New Zealand Catholic Bishops’ Facebook page
- Click here to see photographs and videos on NZCatholic Facebook page
- Click here to hear Bishop Pat’s homily.
- Click here to hear Pope Francis’ letter to Bishop Gielen
Cambridge-born Bishop Gielen (48) is the son of Henk and Maureen Gielen of Mount Maunganui.
He is the eldest of six children. He is a keen sportsman and enjoys cricket, rugby, cycling and golf.
After working in the justice department for a couple of years, Gielen began seminary formation at New Zealand’s Holy Cross College in 1992.
He was ordained a priest at the age of 26 for his home diocese of Hamilton in 1997.
Gielen served for four years as an assistant priest in Gisborne.
In 2002, he was appointed pastor of Frankton and Raglan
In 2005, he began to study for a master’s in theology at Franciscan University in Steubenville, Ohio.
On his return in 2007 Gielan was appointed Parish Priest, St. Thomas More, Mt. Maunganui and St. Patrick’s Te Puke until 2012.
He then undertook a licentiate in theology at the Pontifical Gregorian University in Rome.
He returned to New Zealand in 2014 and was appointed director of formation at Holy Cross Seminary in Auckland.
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