Archbishop-elect Anthony Ireland says he is looking forward to arriving in Tasmania and taking up his new role as the Archbishop of Hobart. Source: Hobart Archdiocese.
“I’m coming to serve, I’m coming to love the people,” Archbishop-elect Ireland said. “I’m very much looking forward to being among you.”
Pope Leo appointed the Melbourne auxiliary bishop as the next Archbishop of Hobart on June 20, succeeding Archbishop Julian Porteous, who retired having reached 75 years of age.
Archbishop-elect Ireland will be officially installed as the 12th bishop and 11th archbishop of Hobart on Tuesday, August 12, at St Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart.
Archbishop-elect Ireland first received the news on June 7 at the start of a week’s holiday in Queensland when he received several text messages from the Apostolic Nunciature asking him to call.
When he returned the call, Msgr Alfred D’Souza told him, “Well, Pope Leo has appointed you as the Archbishop of Hobart. Do you accept?” Bishop Tony replied immediately, “Yes, I am humbled, and I will accept.”
Archbishop-elect Ireland said he has visited Tasmania several times over the years, including as a seminarian in 1985, and also in 2008 when the World Youth Day cross and icon were brought on the ferry from Melbourne to Launceston for a special Mass.
“The beauty of Tasmania is one thing that captivates you,” he said.
Archbishop-elect Ireland’s episcopal motto is “Confirm, strengthen and support” (1 Peter 5:10).
Reading the full context of the First Letter of Peter, chapter five, Archbishop-elect Ireland said it refers to God’s promise to look after his people.
“The Lord is the one who will confirm, strengthen and support you,” he said.
“And if a bishop or priest is to walk in the footsteps of the Lord and to follow his way, then he is called to confirm, strengthen and support the people.”
FULL STORY
Tasmania’s new Shepherd: ‘I come to lead in faith, and serve with love’ (By Catherine Sheehan, Hobart Archdiocese)
