THE symbolism of former Toowoomba Bishop William Morris handing over the reigns of the diocese to his successor, Bishop Robert McGuckin, was not lost on many of the 1500-strong congregation which packed St Patrick's Cathedral.

After more than a year without a leader, the Toowoomba Diocese again has a bishop, after the ordination of Bishop McGuckin, Toowoomba's sixth bishop.

However, it was at the request of the incoming bishop that his predecessor played a role in one of the more significant parts of the ordination ceremony.

"I wanted Bishop Morris involved - he's been bishop of the diocese for many years," Bishop McGuckin said after his ordination.

"He's a wonderful man.

"I particularly wanted him involved in the handing over of the crozier (Bishop's crook) and walking me to the cathedra (Bishop's chair)."

As the official part of the two-hour service drew to a close, Bishop McGuckin addressed his diocese for the first time as its shepherd.

The congregation burst into applause when he thanked Bishop Morris for his years of service and for helping him settle into his new role.

Bishop Morris said he was "very touched" by the applause from the congregation.

The inclement weather did nothing to dampen the spirits of those in attendance and the ceremony lived up to the anticipated colour and pageantry of an ordination mass, as first a procession of more than 80 priests, deacons and seminarians made its way up the aisle to a rousing rendition of the hymn "Priestly People" led by a 45-voice choir.

Flanked by ordaining Prelate Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Giuseppe Lazzarotto and Archbishop of Parramatta Anthony Fisher, Bishop-elect McGuckin made his way up the aisle to the altar following a procession of 24 bishops from around Australia.