Pope appoints new Auxiliary Bishop for Diocese of Westminster

Bishop-elect James Curry. Image: CBCEW

Source: CBCEW

Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor James Curry as an Auxiliary Bishop for the Diocese of Westminster.

Cardinal Vincent Nichols said:

"I express my warmest thanks to Pope Francis for the appointment of Mgr James Curry as an Auxiliary Bishop for service in this Diocese. His appointment, I am sure, will be widely welcomed. I welcome it myself, with gratitude to him for his generous response. He brings to this role a long experience of life in the Diocese and the pastoral wisdom of many years of priestly ministry.

"Please keep Bishop-elect Curry in your prayers. Appointment as a bishop is a call to service in a new and demanding way. Let us accompany him with our prayers as he prepares for his Episcopal Ordination."

Bishop-elect Jim Curry said:

"When I received news of my appointment by the Holy Father to serve in this new way my first reactions were of shock and surprise. Then the words of St Paul came to mind: 'Now there are varieties of gifts, but the same Spirit; and there are varieties of service, but the same Lord; and there are varieties of activities, but it is the same God who empowers them all in everyone. To each is given the manifestation of the Spirit for the common good.'

"I can't help but recall all those who have blessed my life and continue to do so.

"My parents, now with God, and their resilient faith; my family in London, Ireland and beyond; my teachers and friends, long-standing and new; the staff and community of Allen Hall Seminary; the clergy, religious women and men who have graced my life; the parishioners, in their variety, I have been called to serve in my 38 years as a priest of the Diocese of Westminster. All these, and others besides, have enriched my understanding of God's loving kindness and purposes.

"To all fellow-pilgrims and those of other beliefs, whose friendship, kindness and hospitality have left a lasting imprint on my life, thank you. I ask you all for your prayers; be assured of mine."

Information about the Episcopal Ordination, to take place in Westminster Cathedral, will be made available in due course.

Bishop-elect Curry joins Bishops John Sherrington, Nicholas Hudson and Paul McAleenan as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Diocese of Westminster.