Bishop Mark Edwards OMI appointed next Bishop of Wagga Wagga

‘On this Feast Day of St Philip Neri, it is with great pleasure—and a twinge of sadness—that I welcome the appointment of Bishop Mark Edwards OMI as the next Bishop of the Diocese of Wagga Wagga,’ Archbishop Peter A Comensoli said.

‘St Philip was a 16th century disciple well-known for his natural ability to connect with people and invite them to an encounter with the risen Jesus. As Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne, Bishop Mark has shown this same missionary zeal, especially in his work with our young people and tertiary communities, and with the people of the Western Region of the Archdiocese for whom he has cared for these past years as their Regional Bishop. He will be well-placed to listen to and lead the people of God in Wagga Wagga.’

In 2014 Bishop Mark was consecrated Bishop, and was appointed Auxiliary Bishop of Melbourne. He has served as Regional Bishop for both the Eastern and Western regions of the Archdiocese and became Episcopal Vicar for Tertiary Education and Youth. He also currently serves on the Bishops Commission for the Plenary Council and the Bishops Commission for Catholic Education.

With a heart for the young, Bishop Mark has dedicated much of his time to the ongoing development of youth ministry within the Archdiocese, encouraging a deeper sense of discipleship and vocation among youth leaders. He has been instrumental in establishing stronger networks with tertiary chaplains, encouraging their ongoing formation and enabling their accreditation within the Archdiocese.

In 2015, Bishop Mark attended the Synod on Young People, the Faith and Vocational Discernment and in 2016 led the Victorian pilgrimage to World Youth Day in Poland.

In accepting his appointment, Bishop Mark expressed his gratitude and humility to the Holy Father:

‘I am deeply humbled by this appointment and wish to express my thanks and good wishes to all the people of Melbourne, with whom I have been for the last six years.

‘As Pope Francis often reminds us, we stand at the edge of a new era. We must continually ask ourselves, “How are we to be Church? How are we to be effective missionary disciples and share the Good News in the context of 21st century Australia?”

‘I am very much looking forward to meeting with and listening to the People of God in the Diocese of Wagga Wagga as we seek to address these questions.

‘My episcopal motto is “Learn who you are in the eyes of God”. This line from the first homily of St Eugene de Mazenod is a reminder that God loves each of us and invites us into a relationship with him. God gives us what we need and I know He has been preparing me for this next mission. I experience this as a call from the Lord.’