Bishop Mackinlay will replace Archbishop Mark Coleridge, who is retiring after 13 years as the Archbishop of Brisbane and 51 years as a priest.
In a statement, Bishop Shane said he was deeply honoured by Pope Leo’s decision to appoint him as Archbishop of Brisbane and was excited by the opportunity to serve the broader church in a new way, even though moving on from the Diocese of Sandhurst comes with sadness.
“Since I became the Bishop of Sandhurst nearly six years ago, I have been greatly encouraged and inspired by the lively faith and commitment of the people, priests and communities of the diocese,” he said.
“And by the generous friendship and welcome they have offered to me personally.
“I am grateful to have shared in the pilgrim journey of the people of god here, where we have together begun new initiatives in living out our mission as Jesus’ disciples.”
Bishop Shane is pleased he will be following Archbishop Mark Coleridge, who has been a friend and mentor of his for many years.
Archbishop Coleridge welcomed the appointment.
“Bishop Shane is an experienced pastor who knows how to listen, attuned both to the big picture and the practical details,” he said.
“That combination makes him a capable administrator, well-suited to lead a diocese as large and complex as Brisbane.
“I have no doubt he will bring exceptional gifts and fresh energies to the Archdiocese of Brisbane, where he will be creative in pursuing the path of synodality into the future god is preparing.
“I am grateful to Pope Leo for this wise choice of a new Archbishop.”
Australian Catholic Bishops Conference president, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, welcomed the appointment on behalf of the Australian bishops.
“The Archbishop-elect’s pastoral experience in his home diocese of Ballarat, and his leadership of the diocese of Sandhurst, together with his strong academic background, will stand him in good stead as he takes up the new challenge of pastoral leadership in the Archdiocese of Brisbane,” he said.
“So, too, will be his significant contribution to ecumenical and interfaith dialogue, which has been a particular feature of his contribution to the work of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference.”
Archbishop Costelloe said Bishop Mackinlay had played a significant role as vice-president of the fifth plenary council of Australia and a delegate to the 16th ordinary general assembly of the synod of Bishops.
“We pray that Bishop Mackinlay will help empower the people of Brisbane to discover and use their gifts, inspire them with a vision of what the church can be, and provide new opportunities and resources for all to encounter christ,” Archbishop Costelloe said.
Bishop Mackinlay requested prayers.
“I ask for your prayerful support for me, for the Archdiocese of Brisbane and for the Diocese of Sandhurst, as I prepare to take up this ministry,” he said.
Bishop Mackinlay will celebrate a Mass of Thanksgiving (Farewell Mass) at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo, on Sunday, September 7.
He will be installed as archbishop of Brisbane at St Stephen’s Cathedral, Brisbane, on Thursday, September 11.
After Bishop Mackinlay’s installation, the College of Consultors will elect a priest to serve as diocesan administrator until a new bishop is appointed.
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