VALE
The Most Reverend Geoffrey Francis Mayne AM, DD, RANR
Catholic Church of Australia

Bishop Geoffrey Francis Mayne

Bishop Geoffrey Francis Mayne was born on August 27, 1928 and educated at St Aldan’s in Maroubra, Waverley College and Sydney University.

He worked as a pharmacist, but after graduating from St Patrick’s Seminary in Manly was ordained a Roman Catholic priest in 1956.

In 1965 the then Father Mayne joined the RAN and served until 1983. He served ashore and afloat and saw active service overseas. Geoff Mayne was a mad keen sportsman founding, among other things, the Mons (Monsignor’s) Cup for Rugby Union in the Navy.

He was Fleet Chaplain from 1972-74 and Naval Support Command Chaplain from 1972-82.

He was promoted to Principal Chaplain in 1977 (CDRE equivalent) and then to Monsignor in 1979.

He was the first Navy PCHAP appointed to the Department of Defence between 1982 and 1983.

In 1983 the then PCHAP Mayne retired from full time service and transferred to the Reserve List. He was appointed Parish Priest to Mosman until 1985 when he was elected Catholic Military Vicar and ordained Bishop at St Christopher’s Cathedral, Manuka, on February 27, 1985.

The diocese of Catholic Military Ordinariate was established in July 1986 and Bishop Mayne was appointed as the first Catholic Military Ordinary to the Australian Defence Force. He held this office until August this year when he retired due to failing health.

He was appointed to the Religious Advisory Committee to the Services in 1985.

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