The Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes has finally been appointed a new bishop.
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Forbes-born Reverend Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE has been appointed as the seventh bishop of the Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes following a long period of vacancy after the resignation of previous bishop Christopher Toohey in 2009.
Born in Forbes in 1968, Rev Macbeth-Green was educated at Red Bend Catholic College and is thrilled to be returning to his home town.
“If someone told me a month ago that I would be appointed the bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes Diocese, I would have said they were joking - I still can’t believe it’s actually happened,” he said.
“When I became a monk I never thought that I would minister to people in my home Diocese. I’m humbled by this appointment and also excited about going home and giving something back to the people who gave me so much.”
Rev Macbeth-Green is currently the Vicar Provincial in Australia of the Order of Saint Pail the First Hermit (Pauline Fathers) and Rector of the Shrine of Mary Help of Christians, Marian Valley, Canungra, Queensland.
He has also been the police chaplain for the south eastern region of Queensland since 2011.
President of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Denis Hart said he welcomes the announcement of Rev Macbeth-Green as the seventh bishop of Wilcannia-Forbes.
“His appointment after a long interval will be warmly welcomed by the people as an indication of Pope Francis’ love and care for them,” he said.
“Since his ordination in 1997 for the 800-year-old Order of St Paul the First Hermit, Father Macbeth-Green has worked with distinction at the Shrine of Marian Valley in Queensland and in Tarcutta and Marian Hills.
“He has engaged spiritually with many people and his priestly goodness and wise guidance will be warmly welcomed by the people of his new diocese.
“For the Australian bishops, I extend warm congratulations.”
Rev Macbeth-Green joined the Order of Saint Paul the First Hermit (Pauline Fathers) in 1990 and studied for the priesthood at Vianney College, Wagga Wagga.
In 1996 he made his final vows and was ordained a priest in November 1997.
He was then administrator of Tarcutta, Diocese of Wagga Wagga before being Subprior of the Shrine of Our Lady of Mercy between 2002 and 2004.
From 2004 to 2006 he was administrator of Moss Vale, Diocese of Wollongong and then from 2006 to 2011 he was police chaplain at Police Headquarters in Brisbane.
He was also police chaplain in Camden local area command (2002-2006) and Wagga Wagga local area command (2000-2002).
