POPE Francis has appointed two new auxiliary bishops for Melbourne archdiocese – Msgr Anthony Ireland and Fr Martin Ashe.
“On behalf of God’s faithful of Melbourne, I am delighted with this great news, and am deeply grateful to the Holy Father for these gifts to our Archdiocese,” Melbourne Archbishop Peter Comensoli said.
“Each of these fine priests have made valuable contributions to the life of the local Church; each know this archdiocese well and have a wide experience of dedicated ministry; and each will bring unique skills and missionary energy to our local communities of faith.”
Currently, Msgr Ireland is parish priest of St Gregory’s Doncaster and the Episcopal Vicar for Health and Aged Care while Fr Martin Ashe is the parish priest of Christ the Light Parish Mernda, Whittlesea and Kinglake.
Fr Ashe said he saw his new role as assisting Archbishop Comensoli in serving the Church’s mission and “making God’s love come alive for people”.
“In this time of pandemic, I see our Church as being a Catholic community in the world that reaches out and accompanies individuals and families, staying close to them in their need and bringing Christ’s message of hope and sustaining love into their lives,” Fr Ashe said.
“We all play our part in the shaping and renewal of our Church in being more responsive to the opportunities and challenges we face within the world of our times.”
Msgr Ireland said that having supported archdiocesan leadership over many years, he knows of “the joyful consolations, the crosses, and silent sorrows that those in high office carry”.
“So, I accept this appointment from the Holy Father with the hope that I can keep a positive balance and attitude whilst continually trusting in the Lord Jesus who promised to accompany us until the end of time,” he said.
“The ministry of auxiliary bishop comes with no agenda.
“It is a ministry of humility; I am to closely assist Archbishop Comensoli in his mission as Chief Shepherd in Melbourne.”
Msgr Ireland was born and raised in Melbourne.
After his ordination in 1987, he served in a number of parishes and undertook further studies, later becoming rector of Corpus Christi College Seminary, before returning to parish ministry.
Among many archdiocesan and provincial appointments, Msgr Ireland has served as Melbourne’s Episcopal Vicar for Health and Aged Care and as Episcopal Vicar for the Eastern Region of the Archdiocese.
Fr Ashe was born in Ireland and was ordained in 1978 after completing his studies at the missionary All Hallows College in Dublin.
As was customary for newly-ordained priests, Fr Ashe was sent to another part of the world, arriving in Melbourne in September of that year.
In his time in Melbourne, he has served in parish ministry as well as vocations director, pastoral director at Corpus Christi College Seminary and director of ministry to priests.
Archbishop Comensoli said they were both “men of deep prayer and service – with hearts for those in need and a passion to share and live the Gospel amongst God’s people”.
“I know that Bishop-elect Ireland and Bishop-elect Ashe will be warmly welcomed by priests and lay people alike, and I ask for your prayers as they begin this new path in their ministerial lives,” he said.
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president Brisbane Archbishop Mark Coleridge said Msgr Ireland and Fr Ashe bring varied experiences, including in parish ministry and clergy formation, to their new role.
“The conference looks forward to welcoming them and working with them as the journey of the Plenary Council leads us into the future,” he said.
The new bishops will join Bishop Terry Curtin, who will continue in his role as Auxiliary Bishop and Episcopal Vicar for the Northern Region of the Archdiocese.
The episcopal ordination is expected to take place at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Melbourne at the end of July.
