‘Our hearts were deeply touched’: Archbishop visits Bruny Island

By Heather Excell

Gathering for their regular monthly Mass on Sunday 22 March, the Catholic community on Bruny Island welcomed Archbishop Tony Ireland for the first time.

The Archbishop travelled to the island to celebrate Mass alongside Parish Priest Fr Mike Delaney and the local congregation, many of whom had never previously met the Archbishop.

Parishioners said the visit was met with surprise and excitement.

“When Father Mike advised us that Archbishop Tony would be visiting our little parish community we were all very surprised and excited,” they said. “Personally, we felt it was a very special occasion for the Archbishop of Tasmania to come to our very small monthly gathering to celebrate Mass.”

Though small, the community felt deeply encouraged by the visit.

“We are a small elderly community, but we are passionate about coming together as a small parish to celebrate Mass and have the joy of partaking in the Most Holy Sacrament of the Altar.

“We felt honoured that the Archbishop took time from his busy schedule to come and meet each one of us. Our hearts were touched deeply by this visit.”

Following Mass, the Archbishop joined parishioners for their regular afternoon tea, including an Irish Coffee made with Jameson Whiskey.

Fr Mike said visits from the Archbishop are especially meaningful for Catholics living in more remote parts of Tasmania.

“Visits can only help people realise they are important witnesses of the Church in their community because they feel supported by their Bishop.”

In his homily on the Gospel account of the raising of Lazarus, Archbishop Tony reflected on the faith of Martha, and encouraged the community to recognise the strength of their quiet and faithful witness.

“In a community such as yours, where Mass is not every week but once a month, each gathering carries a particular weight and a particular grace,” he said. “You come not out of routine, but out of desire—a real hunger for the Lord and for one another.”

He told the congregation that their perseverance in faith was a powerful sign of trust in God.

“You know what it is to live by faith—not by numbers, not by visibility, not by constant activity—but by quiet trust. You gather when you can. You hold onto the Lord. You remain faithful even when things are not easy or certain.”

For parishioners, the visit was a reminder that even a small and isolated community remains part of the wider Church.

The community gathers for Mass on the fourth Sunday of each month, and expressed hope that the Archbishop’s visit would bring renewed faith personally, and across the island.