Scottish Catholic Observer

The Episcopal ordination of the new Bishop of Argyll and the Isles will take place at St Columba’s Cathedral in Oban tomorrow at 7pm.

“I am very much looking forward to my ordination as bishop [of the diocese]” Bishop-elect Brian McGee (above) of Paisley Diocese said. “Although it is a challenging vocation God’s grace and the kindness of so many people has greatly encouraged me. I ask for people to pray for me as I prepare.”

The Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Antonio Mennini is to represent Pope Francis at the ordination, where the new bishop will be consecrated by Archbishop Leo Cushley of St Andrews and Edinburgh.

“Bishop-elect McGee is a good man, a fine priest and a seasoned pastor who brings many years of experience to bear in his new role as Bishop of Argyll and the Isles,”  Archbishop Cushley said. “His own family has roots in the north of Ireland, just like St Columba who travelled in the 6th century to Iona in order to preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ and to consolidate it among the peoples of his own language and culture—so Bishop-elect McGee now follows in his saintly footsteps.”

The Catholic community in the diocese will gather for the joyful occasions at St Columba’s cathedral just weeks after the funeral there for Bishop Emeritus Ian Murray, the 9th Bishop of Argyll and the Isles, which was attended by the bishop-elect and Bishop Joseph Toal of Motherwell, the 10th bishop of Argyll and the Isles.

Pic: Paul McSherry