2004

Friday 14th May 2004
Spiritual Pilgrimage for Bishop Michael Malone
Catholic Bishop of Maitland-Newcastle, Michael Malone, and 35 other Australian Catholic bishops participated in a spiritual pilgrimage to Rome earlier this year, designed to celebrate and strengthen their communion with the universal Church and the Successor of Peter, Pope John Paul II.

The pilgrimage, known as the ad limina apostolorum visit - or "to the tombs of the Apostles", took place between March 14 and 28.

Bishop Michael Malone with Pope John Paul II in March 2004

All bishops who are charged with the leadership of a diocese are required to make an ad limina visit every five years. "It's an important spiritual pilgrimage", said Bishop Malone "and a reminder of a local bishop's wider role, in communion with the bishops of the world. It's a great opportunity to dialogue about local and international issues in a climate of communio."

Thirty-six of Australia's 44 Catholic bishops undertook the ad limina visit during which they reported to the Pope on the pastoral situation of the local Church and visited the tombs of Saints Peter and Paul, pastors and pillars of the Roman Church.

The highlight of the trip for Bishop Malone was his personal encounter with Pope John Paul II. As with his previous ad limina visit in 1998, Bishop Malone was able to converse personally with the Pope. The two spoke for about ten minutes within the papal apartments.

Bishop Malone said, "The ad limina is also seen as an important part of the Holy Father's pastoral ministry, as he receives the bishops with whom he exercises pastoral ministry and listens and talks with them about their mission in their diocese."

Bishop Malone brought greetings from the people of the diocese he has now led for nine years. He talked about issues such as the secular nature of Australian society, difficulties in attracting people to religious vocations and a hope that one day he will be able to ordain married men into the priesthood.

"You can associate with his warmth", claimed Bishop Malone. It was lovely to be able to sit in the presence of this man who is also a symbol." While in Rome, Bishop Malone and the other bishops also made a visit to Assisi, participated in a day of reflection at Castelgandolfo - near the summer residence of the Pope - and visited various Vatican organisations.

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