Pope Francis has announced Fr Anthony (Tony) Percy as the next Auxiliary Bishop for the Archdiocese of Sydney, giving it three active auxiliary bishops for the first time since 2019 when Bishop Anthony Randazzo served in the role.
Fr Tony, who is a priest of the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn, has had an extensive career encompassing parish ministry, education, theological study and administration. He will work alongside Bishop Danny Meagher and Bishop Richard Umbers in supporting the work of Archbishop Anthony Fisher OP and sharing in the pastoral care of the Sydney Archdiocese.
“Fr Tony will bring to his new role as bishop a wealth of experience from his parish ministry and leadership of the seminary in Sydney,” said Australian Catholic Bishops Conference President, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB.
“His deep faith, prayerful approach to ministry and commitment to service will make him an invaluable addition to the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.”
Fr Tony is no stranger to Sydney, being born there, completing his tertiary education and seminary studies there, and being the rector of the Seminary of the Good Shepherd for seven years.
Fr Tony told Catholic Voice the appointment had come as a shock.
“Last Thursday, I was visited by the Apostolic Nuncio, Charles Balvo. Unaware of his visit’s purpose, I was surprised when he said, ‘The Holy Father has asked you to take on this role. Will you accept?’
“Naturally, I was quite shocked, but since then, I’ve found a fair bit of peace and courage,” he said.
Anthony Gerard Percy was born on 8 April 1963 in Rockdale, before moving to Cooma as a child where his parents ran a newsagency. He completed the last two years of his schooling in Sydney before attending the University of New South Wales, where he was part of Warrane College.
It was here he felt the call to the priesthood and joined the seminary in Manly. He was ordained for the Archdiocese of Canberra-Goulburn on 14 December 1990 and served in the parishes of Young, Queanbeyan, Ariah Park, Ardlethan and Barellan.
Following theological studies in the United States, he served as parish priest in Goulburn before being invited by Cardinal George Pell in 2008 to head the Seminary of the Good Shepherd in Homebush, Sydney, where he oversaw the intake of young men following 2008 World Youth Day in Sydney.
He returned to his native diocese in 2015 to serve as its Vicar General, while also serving in the parishes of Wanniassa and Queanbeyan.
Fr Tony’s episcopal consecration is scheduled for Friday, 2nd May at St Mary’s Cathedral in Sydney.