New Archbishop of Hobart
From Dr Gerard Gaskin, Executive Director of Catholic Education Tasmania:
Dear friends in Catholic Education,
Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Anthony Ireland as the new Archbishop of Hobart.
Bishop Ireland will succeed Archbishop Julian Porteous, who is retiring after almost 12 years at the helm of the Hobart Archdiocese.
In addition to his recent experience as an Auxiliary Bishop in Melbourne, Bishop Anthony, the Archbishop-elect has also been involved in both academic and spiritual formation as a lecturer and seminary rector and has considerable experience also in parish ministry and in the ministry of health care.
His many gifts will be warmly welcomed by the Catholic community of the Archdiocese of Hobart as their new Bishop seeks to live out his episcopal motto, ‘Confirm, strengthen and support’ (1 Peter 5.10).” Bishop Ireland, 68, grew up in Melbourne’s inner south and studied at the Corpus Christi Seminary College. He was ordained a priest in Melbourne in September 1987 and served in the parishes of Grovedale and Torquay, Mentone, Sandringham, Langwarrin, Frankston and Doncaster.
During his priesthood, he studied moral and spiritual theology and completed a doctorate in Rome. He has lectured in moral theology at Catholic Theological College in East Melbourne and was head of the Department of Moral and Practical Theology for eight years. He tutored at Corpus Christi Seminary College and served as its Dean of Studies and Rector.
Pope Francis appointed him an Auxiliary Bishop for Melbourne in May 2021, and he was ordained Bishop in July of that year.
We extend our heartfelt thanks and deep appreciation to Archbishop Julian Porteous who has led our Archdiocese since 2013. A celebration to honour and farewell His Grace will be announced soon.
Please join me in praying for Archbishop Julian and Bishop Anthony as we navigate this period of transition together.
Yours in Christ,
Dr Gerard Gaskin
Dip T Prim, B Ed, M Ed, Grad Cert App Sc, Ph D
Executive Director: Catholic Education Tasmania