On Wednesday 27 April 2022, it was announced that our Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Mark to be the Archbishop of Cardiff and the Bishop of Menevia, these two dioceses being united in persona Episcopi (in the person of the Bishop). This news ushers in a period of transition for the Diocese of Plymouth. Guidance on this can be found here.
During this time, our primary task as a diocese and in our parishes and schools under the leadership of the Diocesan Administrator will be to unite together in earnest prayer that:
- the Holy Spirit will guide all those involved in the process leading to the appointment of a new bishop for our diocese;
- the one who is called to take on this essential apostolic ministry among us will be given the generosity and courage to accept it;
- we – the clergy, consecrated men and women and lay faithful of the diocese – will welcome our new bishop with joy and respond eagerly to his leadership in faith and mission.
A Diocesan Mass of Thanksgiving for the leadership and ministry of Bishop Mark as Bishop of Plymouth will be celebrated at the Cathedral of St Mary and St Boniface, Plymouth, on Monday, 30 May, at 12noon. The prayers of the diocese will accompany him, too, as the Holy Spirit leads him on to the next stage in his ministry and service to the People of God.