A New Shepherd for the ADF: Bishop Stuart Hall Marks Inaugural Mass at ANZAC Memorial Chapel

With great joy, the Catholic Military Ordinariate of Australia has welcomed its new shepherd! Bishop Stuart Hall celebrated his inaugural Mass at Duntroon's ANZAC Memorial Chapel, marking a vibrant new chapter of spiritual leadership for the ADF community.

Image: Bishop Stuart Hall saying his inaugural homily in the Duntroon Chapel

Bishop Stuart Hall celebrated his inaugural Mass on Sunday, September 27, 2026, at the ANZAC Memorial Chapel of St Paul in Duntroon, Australian Capital Territory, marking his formal entry into his role as the new bishop of the Catholic Military Ordinariate of Australia.

The solemn and joyful Eucharistic celebration was attended by a robust gathering of the local Australian Defence Force (ADF) Catholic community, eager to welcome their new shepherd. Joining them in solidarity and leadership were the Holy See Rev. Msgr. Alfred Rayan D'Souza Chargé d'Affaires, Archbishop Christopher Prowse of Canberra and Goulburn, Monsignor Peter O'Keefe and a dedicated cohort of military chaplains, including Chaplains Damian Styles, Clinton McGoldrick, Anthony Doyle, Thomas Zaranski, and Giles Atherton.

A New Chapter for Military Chaplaincy

The ANZAC Memorial Chapel, steeped in military history and tradition, served as the perfect backdrop for the occasion. Bishop Hall’s inaugural Mass highlighted his vision of spiritual service, resilience, and pastoral care tailored specifically to the unique lives of military personnel and their families.

Concelebrating alongside the Holy See representative Rev. Msgr. Alfred Rayan D'Souza and Archbishop Prowse, the presence of the military chaplains underscored a unified front for the Ordinariate. Each chaplain brings extensive experience from various branches of the ADF, reinforcing the network of spiritual support Bishop Hall will now oversee.

Community and Fellowship

Following the liturgical service, the congregation gathered for a short reception held on the church grounds. The relaxed gathering offered local ADF members, Defence personnel, and families a personal opportunity to meet and converse with Bishop Hall, welcoming him into his new assignment.

As Bishop Hall begins his ministry, the event at Duntroon sets a collaborative and faithful tone for the future of the Catholic Military Ordinariate of Australia.

written by the CMOA Media Team