[2] In 1980 he entered the novitiate of the Missionary Oblates of Mary Immaculate in Mulgrave and completed his ecclesial studies for the priesthood at Catholic Theological College in Melbourne.

Edwards was in Canberra when the apostolic nuncio delivered the news and he later said that he was "surprised and humbled" to be selected as a bishop though lamented that he could no longer resume his teaching duties.

[3][4] Edwards received his episcopal consecration on 17 December 2014 at Saint Patrick's Cathedral from Archbishop Denis James Hart with Mark Benedict Coleridge and Paul Richard Gallagher serving as the co-consecrators.

[5] He has said that God's "tenderness is almost tangible" and He invites the faithful to open their hearts to receive the "free gift" of mercy which should be shared with others.

Bishop Edwards continued that one's outward life must show mercy to others in order to be shown that same gift in return.

[5] In conversation with 774 ABC Melbourne's Jon Faine, Edwards said that he did not oppose stores selling Christmas merchandise months prior to the event since it showed that the Christian message resonated.