Congratulations to Order of Malta Chaplain, Archbishop Anthony John Ireland

On 12 August 2025, Archbishop Anthony John Ireland, Chaplain of the Order of Malta, was officially installed as the Archbishop of Hobart during a solemn Mass at St Mary’s Cathedral in Hobart.

The installation Mass was attended by nearly 600 people, including bishops, clergy, and lay faithful from across Australia. Among them were 17 members of the Order of Malta who travelled from around the country to participate in the celebration, as well as 10 Order of Malta chaplains.

Order of Malta chaplains, His Eminence, Cardinal Mykola Bychok CSsR and Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Balvo concelebrated the Mass with President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Timothy Costelloe SDB, and Archbishop Emeritus of Hobart, Julian Porteous.

A key moment in the ceremony was the reading of the Papal Bull — the formal document issued by the Holy See — officially confirming Archbishop Ireland’s appointment.

Archbishop Ireland told the congregation he comes with “open ears and a listening heart” and gave thanks for his new role.

“The greatest gift I received today is the shepherd’s care of you—the priests, deacons, religious, and people of the Archdiocese: for this I thank the Lord and I thank you.

“A new chapter begins today, and I do not walk it alone. Pope Francis has called this a Jubilee of Hope. Let us walk together as pilgrims of hope—bearing light, binding wounds, and lifting each other up in mercy.

“From the descendant of a 13-year-old convict to a shepherd among you—please accept my thanks as though it was said to you alone.”

Archbishop Ireland has served the Order of Malta with deep pastoral commitment. As an active chaplain, he is a trusted spiritual director to members of the Order, offering both guidance and encouragement in their mission to serve the sick and the poor. He has also been a hands-with the Order’s charitable works, including providing outreach services to the homeless with the Order of Malta Community Care van in Melbourne.

The Order of Malta in Australia gives thanks for his ongoing guidance and service and offers prayers for Archbishop Ireland as he begins this new chapter of leadership in the Church.

Images courtesy of the Archdiocese of Hobart.