THE Pope has chosen a former Carlisle teacher as successor to the Bishop of Lancaster and leader of the Catholic Church in Cumbria.Father Michael Campbell will become the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Lancaster – which covers the county – when the current bishop, Patrick O’Donoghue, retires next year.
He is widely known in Cumbria’s Catholic community having been a religious education teacher to the senior school at Austin Friars School, Carlisle, for 10 years until 1999.
Pope Benedict XVI has approved the appointment of Father Campbell as coadjutor to Bishop O’Donoghue – meaning he has the right of succession when he steps down.
Bishop O’Donoghue said: “I am absolutely delighted to be able to welcome Bishop-elect Michael Campbell to the Diocese of Lancaster.
“How wonderful it is that, after many months of consultation, an appointment has been made of someone who is already known by many people in the diocese.”
Father Campbell was first ordained as a priest in the chapel of Austin Friars. He later returned to the school to teach there and was a popular figure among pupils.
During his time in Carlisle he also supported parish priests with their work across north Cumbria.
Father Campbell was also Lancaster Diocese’s episcopal vicar from 1990 until 1999.
Bishop O’Donoghue, who has been in the post since July 2001, will retire next summer when he reaches the age of 75, which all Roman Catholic ministers must now do.
He said: “I am delighted that Pope Benedict acceded to my request for a coadjutor and very much look forward to welcoming Bishop Campbell in person and to work with him in the on-going task of evangelisation.
“The Diocese of Lancaster has a proud and rich heritage of martyrs – of witnesses to the gospel. This work we proudly continue today."
“We are very blessed to have been sent this man of prayer and learning to help the diocese become still more fit for mission.”
Bishop Campbell, an Augustinian Friar, will be ordained into his new position at St Peter’s Cathedral, Lancaster.
No date for that service has yet been set.
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