‘To my sisters, my family, my brothers-in-law, my nieces and nephews, and all my extended family, thank you. Your love, your prayers, your constant support have been one of God’s greatest blessings and gifts in my life.’
The new bishop also paid tribute to his predecessor, Bishop Emeritus Max Davis. ‘You loved this ordinariate deeply, and served it with great generosity,’ he said. ‘Today we thank you for your faithful service, honour your perseverance and assure of our prayers.’
My mission is simple: to bring the peace of Christ to every corner of the ordinariate, and to make it known to every member of our military community.
‘I also wish to express my profound gratitude to Archbishop Christopher Prowse, who has served as Apostolic Administrator of the Military Ordinary over these past five years,’ he said. ‘Archbishop Christopher, you accepted this responsibility in a time of uncertainty and guided the Ordinariate with wisdom, stability, and genuine pastoral care. Thank you for your generous leadership and for the strong foundation you now hand on.’
Bishop Hall also outlined his mission for the military ordinariate.
‘My mission is simple,’ he said, ‘[it is] to bring the peace of Christ to every corner of the ordinariate, and to make it known to every member of our military community—from recruits to recent veterans. … The peace Christ gives is not merely the absence of conflict; it is the peace that steadies the heart, gives courage in uncertainty, strengthens us in hardship, teaches us to give, and enables us to remain faithful, whatever lies before us.’
Bishop Hall also paid tribute to the chaplains, priests, deacons, and pastoral associates supporting members of Australia’s defence force.
‘These ministers quietly accompany [our servicemen and women] with prayer, the sacraments, and the compassionate presence of Christ,’ he said. ‘Much of their ministry is unseen, but it is deeply valued, and I thank them for their faithful service.
‘As Australians, we are rightly proud of our defence force. We admire the courage of those who stand ready to confront evil, defend what is good and just, and protect our nation and our allies. We also know that such service also comes at a cost. The sacrifice is borne not only by those who wear the uniform, but also by their spouses, their children, their families and all those who wait faithfully at home.
‘The Church sees your sacrifices, values your fidelity and walks with you in hope.’