The Diocese of Wilcannia-Forbes is unique in many ways. It is the largest Catholic diocese in New South Wales, covering more than half of the state, yet it consists of just 20 parishes. The cathedral is located at Broken Hill, while the diocesan chancery office is located at Forbes – more than 700 kilometres away.
Bishop Columba Macbeth-Green OSPPE was the youngest bishop in Australia at the time of his ordination in 2014 at the age of 46. In September 2020, Bishop Columba appointed 28-year-old Hugo Ditroia as chancellor of the diocese, making him the youngest chancellor of a Catholic diocese in Australia.
The National Centre for Evangelisation spoke to Bishop Columba and Hugo Ditroia about their experience working together and some of the challenges ministering to a diocese of vast size in regional New South Wales. They also speak about the importance of collaboration between clergy and the laity in carrying out the mission of God today.
Image: Tricia Ward