Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Paul Gallagher made the announcement this evening, following the formal appointment by Pope Francis.The new Bishop O’Regan is currently the vicar general of the Diocese of Bathurst, Dean of the Cathedral of St. Michael and St. John and episcopal vicar for clergy in the diocese.

Bishop O’Regan said he felt a blend of surprise, excitement, numbness, humility and sadness on his appointment.

“…Surprise at being chosen; excitement at being able to be a source of unity and hope to the People of God in the Diocese of Sale; still numb from having one’s world turned upside down; humility, as the path of service opens up more deeply before me; and sadness that, after 31 years of working in and 56 years of being part of the Diocese of Bathurst, I’m a little like Abram in being called away to Sale - 'Go from your country, your people and your father’s household to the land I will show you (Genesis 12:1)'," he said.

Bishop O'Regan was born in Bathurst and was educated at St Joseph's Primary School, Perthville and St Stanislaus' College.

He studied for the priesthood at St Columba, Springwood and St Patrick's College,Manly before being ordained as a priest in Bathurst in 1983.

He is a member of the National Liturgical Council and diocesan co-ordinator for the ongoing formation of priests and permanent deacons.

Bathurst Bishop Michael McKenna said Bishop O'Regan would be a loss to the local parish but wished him well in Victoria.

"The call Father O’Regan has been given is an acknowledgement of his great talents in the service of the gospel and the gifts of faith and humanity which we have long recognised in him," Bishop McKenna said.

"It is good news for God’s people of Sale, who have waited a long time for a chief pastor."

Bishop McKenna said Bishop O’Regan would become the sixth Bathurst priest to become a bishop, the third to have been born in the Bathurst diocese and the second from Perthville.

“It goes without saying that Pat’s departure will leave an enormous gap in the life of the diocese," Bishop McKenna said.

"However, I am confident that this gift of one of our finest priests will be repaid a hundred-fold by God, who is never outdone in generosity."