On Sunday, 6th October, following the Angelus in St Peter’s Square, Pope Francis announced Redemptorist Bishop Mykola Bychok CSsR, Bishop of the Eparchy of Saints Peter and Paul of Melbourne, as one of 21 new Cardinals. This appointment highlights the Church’s universality, and for Bishop Mykola, it’s a profound responsibility.
Reflecting on his new role, Bishop Mykola said, “This isn’t a personal privilege, but one granted by Pope Francis to the entire Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Catholic Church in Australia.”
He also paid tribute to the legacy of past Cardinals, such as Patriarch Josyf Cardinal Slipyj, who, after years of imprisonment, became the voice of the Ukrainian Church, and Patriarch Lubomyr Cardinal Husar, who re-established the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church’s presence in Kyiv.
Understanding the immense responsibility ahead, Bishop Mykola remarked, “I will continue to inform the Catholic world about what’s happening in our land and constantly remind them of Ukraine.” He also highlighted the growing secularisation in Australia, where “faith is gradually being lost,” adding that he would seek the Lord’s guidance in facing these challenges.
Bishop Mykola’s appointment is significant for both the Ukrainian Greek Catholic Church and the Catholic Church in Australia. He becomes the sixth Cardinal in UGCC history and the eighth in Australia’s Catholic Church. Representing not only Australia but also New Zealand and Oceania, Bishop Mykola joins other Cardinals in Oceania from Wellington, Tonga, Port Moresby, and Dili.
The Redemptorists of Oceania are incredibly proud of Bishop Mykola’s dedication and leadership. His work as a Redemptorist has inspired many, and we stand in prayerful support as he steps into this new role.
In his closing words, Bishop Mykola asked, “I ask everyone to pray for me, so that the Lord may give me the strength to fulfil the vocation entrusted to me by the Holy Church with dignity.”
We invite you to join us in celebrating this blessed occasion for our Church. Congratulations to Bishop Mykola Bychok on being named Cardinal!
