Sydney
31 August 2003
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Three generations of caring for forces
Bishop Max Davis
“Let it be done according to your Word.”
And so it was, when Bishop Max Davis took over the pastoral leadership of the men and women of the Australian Defence Force in a moving consecration Mass at Canberra’s St Christopher’s Cathedral.
Bishop Davis, who was consecrated on the Feast of the Queenship of Mary, paid special tribute to Mary, Help of Christians, the Patroness of Australia and of the Military Ordinariate of Australia.
The new bishop said he accepted God’s call in his life with humility.
“Let it be done according to your Word. Indeed, according to your Word and with much anticipation and excitement,” he said.
The two-hour celebration, attended by Church, military and parliamentary representatives, was made especially touching by the presence of Bishop Geoffrey Mayne, the first Military Ordinary of Australia, as principal consecrator.
Bishop Mayne, who retired as Military Bishop last month, has battled serious ill health in recent months, and although noticeably frail, he performed the consecration with his trademark good humour and straight talking.
“This is my last hurrah,” he joked. “This is a wonderful day.”
Bishop Mayne and Bishop Davis both made a special welcome to the first Military Vicar, Bishop John Aloysius Morgan, who, at 93, also took part in the Mass.
About 20 other bishops were present, including the president of the Australian Catholic Bishops Conference, Archbishop Francis Carroll, who is also Archbishop of Canberra and Goulburn, and the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Francesco Canalini.
Bishop Mayne told his successor that he had been chosen by the Lord to serve, rather than to rule, “such is the counsel of the Master”.
“Dear brother Max, I remind you of those you are privileged to serve - the men and women of the Australian Defence Force.
“You’ll never find better, never find more professional people.
“You’ll love them and they’ll love you.
“Continue to proclaim the message, whether it be welcome or unwelcome. Give it to them.
“Love all those whom God places in your care.”
Bishop Davis responded following his consecration, saying he was “very much aware of the great inheritance which has been passed on”.
“Bishop Morgan’s presence here today is a source of encouragement and particular joy,” he said.
“And I express deep gratitude and thanksgiving that Bishop Mayne has been able to exercise the particular grace of leading the consecration for his successor.”
Also present was retired Bishop Peter Quinn of Bunbury, who ordained Bishop Davis both deacon and priest.
Bishop Davis thanked all those who had supported him in the lead-up to his consecration.
“There have been many messages of affirmation that have filled my heart,” he said.
He also pledged his support to the military chaplains and to the members of the ADF and their families and he acknowledged the presence and support of members of his own family.
“Who would’ve thought that such a thing would happen to anyone in our family,” he joked.
Finally, he called all present to focus on their own vocation, according to God’s Word in their life.
“Our sense of vocation is expressed and renewed by this wonderful liturgy,” he said.
The Australian Defence Force has about 3800 personnel deployed on more than 10 operations, including in Iraq, East Timor and the recent deployment to help restore order in the Solomon Islands.
Born in Townsville in 1945 Bishop Max Davis is the first Australian Catholic military bishop to have served in the defence forces before being ordained a priest.
He served in the navy from 1962 to 1964.
He was ordained a priest in 1971, before spending many years as a military chaplain.