Pope Francis appoints two auxiliary bishops for Melbourne

Pope Francis has appointed Msgr Anthony Ireland and Fr Martin Ashe auxiliary bishops for the Archdiocese of Melbourne.

The announcement this evening came from the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, confirming the Pope's appointments.

Msgr Ireland and Fr Ashe will support Melbourne Archbishop Peter A. Comensoli in his leadership of the Archdiocese, along with current Auxiliary Bishop Terry Curtin.

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Msgr Ireland and Fr Ashe have held a number of significant roles within the Archdiocese of Melbourne, including in parishes and at Corpus Christi Seminary, as well as other leadership positions.

Msgr Ireland, who was born and raised in Melbourne, has been part of the church for 34 years, since his ordination in 1987.

"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 in a statement of his appointment.

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"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."

Fr Ashe, who was born in Ireland, was ordained in 1978 in Dublin before moving to Melbourne in September that year.

"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 in the statement of his appointment.

The Episcopal Ordination is expected to take place at St Patrick's Cathedral, Melbourne towards the end of July.