Archbishop Shane Mackinlay

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Archbishop Shane Mackinlay Archbishop Shane Mackinlay is the Catholic Archbishop of Brisbane and leads the Catholic Church in South East Queensland.

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I have been in London over recent days and am now travelling on to Rome, for meetings to present the report of the curre...
23/10/2026

I have been in London over recent days and am now travelling on to Rome, for meetings to present the report of the current round of the Methodist–Catholic International Dialogue Commission.

On Monday morning, we visited Methodist Central Hall in Westminster, a place of great significance for the worldwide Methodist family, which includes the Uniting Church of Australia. There, we met with the General Secretary of the World Methodist Council, the Revd Dr Reynaldo Ferreira Leão Neto and discussed the Commission’s latest report. It was a valuable opportunity to share the fruit of our work over the last five years, to reflect on the journey we have undertaken together and to consider how Catholics and Methodists might continue to walk together towards unity in faith, sacramental life and mission.

From London, we travelled to Cambridge for a seminar attended by guests including members of the national Methodist-Catholic dialogue, and led by the Commission’s co-chairs, the Revd Prof. Edgardo Colón-Emeric and myself. Wesley House provided a fitting setting for conversation about the report and the wider work of the Commission. Our discussions reminded me again of the depth of the faith we share, as well as the importance of honest and patient dialogue as we seek greater unity between our churches.

It has been a rich and encouraging time and I look forward to continuing these conversations in Rome in the days ahead, as we meet with Vatican officials and offer another public seminar.

Last week, I blessed and opened Philermos House in Southport, a new homeless service that is a joint ministry between Ma...
19/10/2026

Last week, I blessed and opened Philermos House in Southport, a new homeless service that is a joint ministry between Mary Immaculate Parish and the Order of Malta. Philermos House provides meals and hospitality, as well as bathroom and laundry facilities. It also has areas for Centacare, Rosies and other partners to provide services that assist with health care, education, social needs and community-building. Known locally as ‘The Big Red Shed’, it is a very practical expression of the Gospel call to provide care for those in need and to foster respect for the dignity and potential of each person. By showing the compassion and care of Jesus for people in a particularly vulnerable situation, it will not only help to meet their immediate needs, but will also assist them in taking steps towards more stable and supportive arrangements for housing, health and employment. Philermos House is a partnership of many organisations, supported by local businesses and private donors. The cooperative work of these groups and individuals demonstrates the contribution that each of us can make to Jesus’ mission, living out our faith in practical action that fosters dignity and hope.

I recently visited the studio of Southport sculptor Linda Klarfeld, who is generously gifting eight works from her perso...
13/10/2026

I recently visited the studio of Southport sculptor Linda Klarfeld, who is generously gifting eight works from her personal collection to Holy Spirit Seminary Queensland. It was a privilege to see her extraordinary sculptures up close and to reflect on the way art can draw us more deeply into our faith. These sculptures will now inspire future generations of Brisbane’s priests. The pieces are beautiful, tangible reminders of central figures and elements of our Christian tradition. Each one invites contemplation and prayer, offering a quiet point of encounter with Christ and the saints. It was a joy to bless Linda’s studio during my visit and to thank her for her generosity. I am confident these works will make a lasting contribution to the life of the Seminary, inspiring prayer, deepening faith and encouraging generosity among future generations of seminarians.

Recently, the Mater Hospital celebrated 100 years since the opening of the convent and its chapel. When the new building...
08/10/2026

Recently, the Mater Hospital celebrated 100 years since the opening of the convent and its chapel. When the new buildings opened, the Sisters of Mercy had already been onsite for 17 years, living on an upper floor of the Mater Private Hospital. After construction delays because of the First World War, the foundation stone was laid in 1925 and the new buildings were opened only a year later. Further extensions were made to the convent over the years, at one point accommodating nearly 200 sisters. From the very beginning, the Sisters intended that the chapel would be open to patients, families and staff, as well as serving for their own community prayer and liturgies. The Mater Convent Chapel was to be the heart of the hospitals. That has been true throughout the last century, even after storm damage in 2014 prompted the Sisters to relocate to a new site. It is impossible to imagine how many people have prayed, served and found hope and comfort in the Mater Chapel over the last 100 years. It continues to be a place of welcome for those in need and a living sign that God’s mercy remains at the heart of the Mater’s healing ministry.

Recently, couples from across the Archdiocese gathered at the Cathedral of St Stephen to celebrate fifty years or more o...
06/10/2026

Recently, couples from across the Archdiocese gathered at the Cathedral of St Stephen to celebrate fifty years or more of marriage. During the Mass, they renewed their wedding vows and received a special blessing. The celebration was a joyful opportunity to give thanks for their faithful commitment to one another and for the enrichment their love has brought in their own lives, for their families, and in our broader community. The couples spoke of their ideals and goals, and also of the everyday realities of their lives together. Their recollections were a reminder that a marriage is built through countless acts of generosity, patience, understanding and forgiveness. It is formed not only in moments of celebration, but also in times of challenge and sacrifice. They spoke too of their experience of God’s faithful love for them, accompanying them through the joys and sorrows, successes and disappointments that have been part of their journeys. By coincidence, that same day three other couples exchanged their wedding vows in ceremonies at the Cathedral, asking God’s blessing as they began their married life and providing a reminder of the hope and excitement at the beginning of the journey of marriage. Hopefully these newly married couples will one day have an opportunity to return and celebrate their own wedding anniversaries.

Across our Archdiocese I see so much goodwill, engagement and commitment as people in our parishes, schools, and healthc...
01/10/2026

Across our Archdiocese I see so much goodwill, engagement and commitment as people in our parishes, schools, and healthcare and social services are living the Gospel in ways that build up our communities and one another.

In order to continue to work more closely together, I am pleased to announce the introduction of a renewed leadership model for the Archdiocese of Brisbane that will strengthen relationships among Catholic organisations and elevate our combined capacity to serve the mission of the Church and respond to the needs of our communities.

I invite you to read my full letter outlining these changes here: https://bit.ly/4ypvPpU

Please pray for all those who will serve in these roles, and for our whole Archdiocese as we continue to listen to the Holy Spirit and walk together in Christ’s mission.

I recently attended the Ignite Youth Ignite Conference in Brisbane. Like my first visit last year, I was struck by the e...
29/09/2026

I recently attended the Ignite Youth Ignite Conference in Brisbane. Like my first visit last year, I was struck by the energy and enthusiasm of the gathering, and by the witness of over a thousand young people coming together in search of a deeper relationship with Jesus.

I was encouraged to see so many young people open to listening, asking questions and discerning how God might be speaking in their lives. Their presence was a reminder that faith continues to take root when people are given the space, encouragement and community to encounter Jesus and to grow together.

I hope that all who attended returned home renewed and strengthened by the experience, and that the conference continues to inspire all of us to listen for God’s voice in the ordinary moments of each day, and to respond with faith, courage and practical action in their families, communities and wider world.

I was delighted to join the Sophia College Plainland community to celebrate the Blessing and Official Opening of the Ang...
24/09/2026

I was delighted to join the Sophia College Plainland community to celebrate the Blessing and Official Opening of the Angelo, Rieti, Spoleto and Bonaventure buildings, the Coominya Precinct Chapel and the statue of St Francis and Brother Wolf of Gubbio.

It was wonderful to see the development in this school since it was first opened in 2021. After the ceremony, some of the Foundation Year 12s guided visitors through these new spaces, and were clearly deeply connected to the Franciscan charism and history that they reflect. It is clear that young Sophians are already being formed as people of wisdom, compassion, faith and service.

The Coominya Precinct Chapel will provide a sacred place for prayer, stillness, and encounter with God. It is also a permanent link to the local faith community, who knew it as St Francis Xavier Church for over a century, before generously donating it to the College after it was closed. The statue of St Francis and Brother Wolf will serve as a constant reminder of the Franciscan call to peace, reconciliation, compassion and welcomes, and of our shared mission to care for one another and for our common home.

May Sophia College remain grounded in Wisdom and Love, inspired by St Francis and St Clare and ever committed to journeying together in faith, hope and charity.

Last Friday was a significant milestone in the reconciliation journey for the Archdiocese as we launched our third Recon...
17/09/2026

Last Friday was a significant milestone in the reconciliation journey for the Archdiocese as we launched our third Reconciliation Action Plan. I joined three hundred guests for the annual Archdiocese Reconciliation Dinner, celebrating the contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in our community, listening to one another, learning and reflecting on where we’ve come from and the direction we want to go. The new Reconciliation Action Plan 2026–2028 sets out clear commitments and practical actions to continue strengthening our reconciliation journey, building on the achievements and learnings that have brought us to this point. It invites every parish, school and ministry to walk this path together. Reconciliation is a daily choice: to listen more deeply, to learn more humbly, and to act more justly. I am grateful to all who are already participating in this undertaking, and to all who will contribute to it in the years ahead. Together, we are committed to building up a culture that reflects the vision that Pope John Paul II spoke of so inspiringly in Alice Springs forty years ago: ‘the Church herself in Australia will not be fully the Church that Jesus wants her to be until Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples have made their contribution to her life and until that contribution has been joyfully received by others.’

Today, I mark my first anniversary as Archbishop of Brisbane. These first twelve months in the Archdiocese have been ric...
10/09/2026

Today, I mark my first anniversary as Archbishop of Brisbane. These first twelve months in the Archdiocese have been rich and rewarding for me. I am very grateful for the warm and generous welcome I have received since arriving here. Taking up a ministry in a new state has brought a range of challenges for me: adjusting to the rhythms (and weather!) of a new place, getting to know parishes, schools, ministries and people. Of course, my arrival has also involved adjustment for everyone in the Archdiocese, in receiving someone from elsewhere into the life and leadership of this local Church. I have appreciated the patience and encouragement that so many people have offered me over this time. I have enjoyed having an opportunity to visit many parishes, schools and ministries around the Archdiocese, though I am very aware of how many more I am yet to visit! In each place, I have seen great faith, commitment and hospitality in the people I have met. Earlier this week, I also celebrated the thirty-fifth anniversary of my ordination as a priest. I am grateful for the many blessings of my journey to this point, and I look forward with anticipation and hope to the coming years here in Brisbane.

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