Tag: Shane Mackinlay

Archbishop Shane Mackinlay Installed in Fortitude Valley

Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook

Archbishop Shane Mackinlay was installed as the new Archbishop of Brisbane at St Stephen’s Cathedral in Fortitude Valley, with more than 1000 people and 200 clergy in attendance.

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Installation Mass at St Stephen’s Cathedral

The Solemn Mass and Liturgical reception on 11 September 2025 marked the official beginning of Archbishop Mackinlay’s ministry in Brisbane. The Cathedral Choir, Cathedral Schola and St Stephen’s Brass were part of the celebration, contributing to the music throughout the liturgy.

Over 1000 attendees, including around 200 clergy, gathered at the Cathedral for the occasion. The Mass was also livestreamed for those unable to attend in person.

Archdiocese of Brisbane
Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook

First homily as Archbishop

In his first homily, Archbishop Mackinlay expressed gratitude for the warm welcome he had received from the people of Brisbane. He also acknowledged the diocese he was leaving, thanking the people of Sandhurst for their support over the past six years.

He noted that several Sandhurst clergy were present at the Mass, with others watching the livestream from Victoria.

Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook

Career and Background

Shane Mackinlay was appointed Archbishop of Brisbane by Pope Leo XIV on 18 June 2025, following six years as Bishop of Sandhurst. Born in Brunswick, Melbourne, in 1965, he was ordained a priest in 1991 and later served as Master of Catholic Theological College in Melbourne from 2010 to 2019.

He was consecrated a bishop in 2019 and installed as Bishop of Sandhurst that same year. His academic background includes theology, physics, and a doctorate in philosophy.

Shane Mackinlay
Photo Credit: Archdiocese of Brisbane/Facebook

Community Reception

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Following the ceremony, refreshments were served in the grounds of St Stephen’s Cathedral, where Archbishop Mackinlay greeted parishioners, clergy and visitors, many of whom were eager to meet him personally and take photographs.

The event marks a significant transition for the Brisbane Archdiocese, with Archbishop Mackinlay becoming its eighth leader since the role was elevated to Archbishop in 1887.

Published 18-Sep-2025

Brisbane to Welcome New Archbishop Following Historic Vatican Appointment

Photo Credit: Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst/Facebook

Brisbane is set for a new chapter in Catholic leadership, with Bishop Shane Mackinlay chosen by Pope Leo XIV as the next Archbishop of Brisbane.

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A Leader with Local Ties and Global Experience

The Vatican announced on June 18 that Bishop Shane Mackinlay will replace retiring Archbishop Mark Coleridge after 13 years leading Brisbane’s Catholic community. Mackinlay, who has served as Bishop of Sandhurst since 2019, will be formally installed at St Stephen’s Cathedral on September 11. 

Photo Credit: Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst/Facebook

Born in Melbourne and raised in Ballarat, he graduated dux of St Patrick’s College in 1982 and became a priest in 1991. He served in several Victorian parishes and later taught at Catholic Theological College and Australian Catholic University.

Mackinlay also earned a doctorate in philosophy from Leuven in Belgium and was later named Associate Professor at the University of Divinity.

What This Means for Brisbane’s Catholic Community

The Archdiocese of Brisbane, home to more than 660,000 Catholics across 103 parishes, will look to Bishop Mackinlay for its next chapter. He steps in after years of Church renewal, including his leadership roles in the Australian Plenary Council and the Synod on Synodality. 

Photo Credit: Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst/Facebook

These efforts aimed to make Church life more inclusive and connected to everyday communities. Mackinlay’s approach has centred on listening and practical engagement. His move to Brisbane is expected to carry that same focus forward.

Smooth Handover with Praise from Retiring Archbishop

Outgoing Archbishop Mark Coleridge has welcomed Shane Mackinlay’s appointment, calling him a clear thinker with strong leadership and a balance of vision and local focus. Coleridge, who led the Archdiocese for more than a decade, said Mackinlay is well prepared for the role. 

Photo Credit: Catholic Diocese of Sandhurst/Facebook

Mackinlay said he is honoured by the appointment and thankful for his time in the Sandhurst Diocese. He noted the difficulty of leaving a close-knit regional community. Still, he expressed enthusiasm for working with the people of Brisbane and continuing the progress already underway.

Farewell and Welcome Services Planned

A Mass of Thanksgiving will be held in Bendigo on September 7, marking Mackinlay’s final formal act as Bishop of Sandhurst. Just days later, he’ll be installed in his new role at a public Mass in Brisbane.

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Catholics across both dioceses are preparing for the transition, which Church officials say is a time for reflection and opportunity. Mackinlay is expected to continue his hands-on pastoral approach while supporting the ongoing spiritual, educational and social services work across Brisbane.

Published 02-July-2025