Scottish Catholic Observer

The new Bishop of Dunkeld says his ‘first priority’ is to help the over-stretched priests of his diocese.

At his installation Mass at St Andrew’s Cathedral in Dundee last Thursday, Bishop Stephen Robson paid tribute to the ‘wonderful priests’ of his new diocese but said that they did not have the time to reflect and replenish, and that they could not ‘give what they don’t have.’

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Robson, 62, previously auxiliary bishop in St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese, as the new Bishop of Dunkeld last December. He replaces Bishop Emeritus Vincent Logan, who stood down in December 2010 on grounds of ill health.

Bishop Robson told the packed cathedral congregation and his fellow bishops, the Papal nuncio, his friends and the priests and people of Dunkeld that he was ‘deeply honoured’ to have been chosen by the Pope for his new role, but that he was very aware of the pressures his priests were under.

“The sacramental work of the priest is very important, but they also have to carry out the pastoral work of the shepherd, and that requires they have time to rest, pray and reflect,” he said. “A big priority must be to encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life.”

Bishop Robson said he was looking forward to getting to know the people of Dunkeld better. The new bishop also paid tribute to his predecessor, Bishop Emeritus Vincent Logan, who he said had done a ‘wonderful job as bishop’ and the administrator during the period of Sede Vacante, Canon Basil O’Sullivan, who at the age of 81, had served ‘very ably and with great good humour.’

Canon O’Sullivan had a key role at the installation: Reading the Papal Bull that confirmed Bishop Robson as the new Bishop of Dunkeld.

The letter from the Vatican carried ‘the Apostolic blessings and greetings’ from Pope Francis and in it the Holy Father commended Bishop Robson for his ‘exemplary work’ and ‘Christian zeal’ as an auxiliary bishop. Pope Francis also instructed Bishop Robson to guide the people of the diocese to follow ‘the path of sanctity.’

Then Bishop Emeritus Logan formally presented Bishop Robson with his crosier of office, after which the two men embraced, and the new bishop assumed his seat of office on the bishop’s chair for the Mass.

Bishop Logan had opened proceedings by saying that he was delighted to welcome the bishops from Scotland, England and Ireland and priests from England, Scotland, Ireland, Spain and Rome to the installation Mass.

He also assured Bishop Robson of his  ‘support and prayers as he begins his ministry here.”

The past and present bishops of Dunkeld were joined on the altar by Archbishop Antonio Mennini, the Papal nuncio to the United Kingdom, Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh, who gave the homily, Bishop Joseph Toal of Argyll and the Isles, Bishop Hugh Gilbert of Aberdeen, and Bishop Emeritus Peter Moran of Aberdeen and Archbishop Emeritus Mario Conti of Glasgow, who was representing Archbishop Phillip Tartaglia of Glasgow, who was unable to attend.

In his elegant homily, Archbishop Cushley said he hoped ‘Bishop Robson, and all of us in our turn, learn daily to place our gifts and talents completely at the disposal of Christ our Master, so that we may one day return them to Him, well used and well worn, when He comes to judge us in His glory.’   Archbishop Mennini addressed the congregation at the end of the Mass saying it was a great pleasure to be in Dunkeld representing Pope Francis.

“May the light of Faith light your journey,” he told Bishop Robson. “That light is unique for it illuminates every aspect of human existence so trust in God and preach the Gospel.’

— [email protected]

PIC: PAUL McSHERRY

—This story ran in full in the January 17 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.