Stancea Vichie MSS and Bernadette Walls MSS visited Ballarat on Thursday 19 March, for the episcopal ordination and installation of Bishop Mark Freeman; the ninth bishop of the Diocese of Ballarat. Pope Leo XIV announced the appointment in Rome on Wednesday, 7 January 2026.
Stancea and Bernadette have known Bishop Mark (now 66) since he was a young boy. In Bernadette’s words:
“It was a really profound ceremony and celebration. The singing was powerful, and the homily and address called us to look deeply at our commitment to love.”
A big congratulations from all of us, Bishop Mark.
Read the full story here, and view the installation and ordination on YouTube, here.
