New Australian Bishop is an Oblate
Originally Published on OMIWORLD.ORG
On 7 November 2014, the Holy Father Pope Francis appointed as Auxiliary Bishops of Melbourne, the Reverend Monsignor Terence Curtin and the Reverend Father Mark Stuart EDWARDS, OMI, currently the rector of Iona College in Lindum, Brisbane. Fr. Edwards has been assigned the Titular See of Garba.
Father Edwards was born in Balikpapan (Indonesia) in 1959. He moved to Australia in 1962 where he frequented St. Leonard’s Primary School in Glen Waverley and Mazenod College in Mulgrave. In 1980, he entered the Oblate novitiate. After first vows, he continued his studies for the priesthood at the Catholic Theological College in Melbourne and at the Melbourne College of Divinity. He was ordained a priest in 1986.
After his ordination, continued his education at Monash University in Melbourne where he earned a Ph.D. and a Bachelor’s Degree in Literature and Education. Subsequently, he has ministered in various Oblate schools and as an Oblate formator (novitiate and scholasticate). Since 2010, he has been the rector of Iona College. He also served four terms as a provincial councillor.
Upon receiving the news, Fr. Edwards said he was “surprised and humbled” by the appointment. “I will be sorry to leave teaching, which I have enjoyed,” he added. His episcopal ordination will take place on 17 December.
Taking up his new role, the 55-year-old priest aims to give back to the diocese. “I hope to contribute to the pastoral life of the Archdiocese of Melbourne. In particular, I am looking forward to giving back to the Church that has made me, as I received my faith formation from the Church in Melbourne.”