Dear Friends,

With joy and thanksgiving, I write to inform you that His Holiness, Pope Francis has appointed Very Reverend Associate Professor Shane Mackinlay as the eighth Bishop of Sandhurst. This appointment follows Pope Francis’ acceptance of my resignation as Bishop of Sandhurst, having attained the retirement age. This appointment was announced at 12:00 noon, Roman time (8:00pm this evening local time), 23rd July, 2019.

Dr Mackinlay was ordained a priest for the Ballarat Diocese in 1991 and has served in priestly ministry, in various capacities, and until now, has been the Master of Catholic Theological College, University of Divinity, East Melbourne and Parish Priest of Bungaree, Diocese of Ballarat. pdf Dr Mackinlay’s CV is attached. (43 KB)

I am delighted with the appointment of Father Mackinlay, as he is a man with extensive talents, deep priestly commitment and considerable skill, that he will bring to the leadership of the Diocese. I am certain that in partnership with his leadership, the Diocese will continue to grow as a community in Christ and as Christ’s light in the world.

On behalf of the Diocese, I offer Dr Mackinlay a very warm welcome and assurances of our prayerful support for him, as he prepares for his Episcopal Ordination and his ministry as our Bishop. The Episcopal Ordination is tentatively set for Wednesday, 16th October, 2019 at Sacred Heart Cathedral, Bendigo at 12:00 noon, to which you are most cordially invited.

With gratitude to God for his graces, I thank you all for your goodness, prayers and support of me during the last seven and a half years as your Bishop. May God richly bless you for your goodness.

Yours sincerely in Christ,

Most Reverend Leslie R Tomlinson DD

APOSTOLIC ADMINISTRATOR, DIOCESE OF SANDHURST