Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Francis appointed Bishop Robson, 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.

Ahead of his official installation this evening, Bishop Robson presented the Papal Bull, his letter of appointment from the Holy Father, to the canons of the cathedral chapter at solemn vespers at St Andrew’s Cathedral yesterday evening.

Reflecting on his appointment, Bishop Robson spoke of the challenges he will face in his new role, and said that a key focus will be the promotion of vocations.

“I look forward to trying to build up the People of God in the Faith and in the confidence of being Catholic in a challenging world and look forward especially to helping the young and families to live the Gospel and to serve Christ in the Church,” Bishop Robson said. “A big priority must also be to encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life.”

Archbishop Leo Cushley, who was appointed Archbishop of St Andrews and Edinburgh last year, will deliver the homily at this evening’s Mass of Installation.

In his homily, the archbishop will refer to the recent feast of the Epiphany and the gifts offered by the Three Kings, suggesting that the gifts of ‘prayer, wisdom and service’ will be ‘essential to Bishop Stephen as he takes up this most important task of his many years of priestly service, in the pastoral leadership of the Church of Dunkeld.’

—This evening’s Mass of Installation will take place at 7pm at Dundee’s St Andrew’s Cathedral.

Pic: Bishop Robson at last night’s vespers ahead of his installation as Bishop of Dunkeld tonight. By Eddie Mahoney