The Catholic Archdiocese of Brisbane will welcome a new Archbishop this week – only the eighth person to lead the Church in southeast Queensland in more than 160 years.
Archbishop-elect Shane Mackinlay will be installed in The Cathedral of St Stephen on Thursday 11 September, replacing Archbishop Mark Coleridge after his 13 years in Brisbane.
Archbishop-elect Mackinlay was appointed by Pope Leo XIV on 18 June after six years as the Bishop of the Victorian diocese of Sandhurst.
The first Bishop of Brisbane was appointed in 1859 – the same year Queensland became a state. The position was elevated to the title of Archbishop in 1887. Only seven men have led the Archdiocese which now stretches from the NSW border, north to Hervey Bay and west to Kingaroy and Gatton.
Archbishop-elect Mackinlay will be responsible for an Archdiocese that includes approximately 15,000 employees, 146 schools and 94 parishes through its agencies including Brisbane Catholic Education and social services arm Centacare.
Archbishop-elect Mackinlay has a wealth of pastoral, academic and administrative experience and a deep commitment to the mission of the Church in Australia.
“A new prospect always brings excitement,” Archbishop-elect Mackinlay said. “I am very appreciative of the preparations that so many people are making for my arrival and reception.
“This is a major event for the Archdiocese and for the whole province, and I am looking forward to being able to begin my ministry in a context of such prayer and celebration. I have felt warmly welcomed by the people of Brisbane and I am very aware that a significant focus for the weeks after my installation will be starting to meet the people of the Archdiocese personally, as well as learning about life in Queensland and about the parishes, schools and other activities.”
Archbishop-elect Mackinlay has used the time leading up to his installation to complete commitments abroad, prepare for the transition and bid farewell to the community in Sandhurst.
Brisbane is the second largest diocese in the country by population and Archbishop-elect Mackinlay recognises the responsibility of this new role not only for the local Church but also nationally and internationally.
“How Brisbane is led truly matters for the broader Church in Australia,” he said.
In retirement, Archbishop Coleridge will become Archbishop Emeritus of Brisbane. His tenure in Brisbane included four years as President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.
Archbishop Coleridge praised his successor, highlighting Archbishop-elect Mackinlay’s “fine mind” and ability to engage thoughtfully with contemporary culture.
“He will bring intellectual firepower to his ministry as Archbishop and to public debate in Queensland and Australia,” Archbishop Coleridge said.
Installation details
- Date: Thursday, September 11, 11am.
- Location: The Cathedral of St Stephen, Brisbane
- Presider: The installation liturgy will be celebrated in the presence of bishops from across Australia, clergy, religious and faithful of the Archdiocese.
NOTE: Archbishop-elect Mackinlay will be available for a doorstop interview outside the Cathedral after Mass. The Mass is likely to run for more than 90 minutes.
Media wishing to attend the installation are asked to contact Archdiocese of Brisbane’s Communication and Engagement Office at media@bne.catholic.net.au to register their interest.
Media Contact:
Communication and Engagement Office
media@bne.catholic.net.au