A Roman Catholic bishop who has worked on the front line of Iraq and onboard war ships at sea is taking over one of the smallest dioceses in the UK. Mark Jabalé has resigned at the age of 75 as Bishop of Menevia - which covers Swansea, Neath, Cardigan, Pembrokeshire Carmarthenshire and south Powys.
He will be replaced by Tom Burns who is currently Bishop of the British Forces.
He spent 25 years with the military saying Mass in an Exocet missile room and on top of a submarine torpedo.
He said: "It has been a joy and a privilege for me to serve the church in this way."
He added that the average age of serving personnel in the forces was in the mid-20s.
"It is only right, therefore, to make way for a younger man to serve them as their bishop," he added.
"The memories that I will cherish most are my attempts to make church in often very unusual and challenging circumstances, in different parts of the world.
"It is not everyone who will have the opportunity to say Mass in the Exocet missile room of a frigate during the first Iraq war, or on top of a torpedo in a submarine.
"I have been privileged to be allowed into the lives of young people in all three services, far from home, often burdened with anxieties, yet seeking someone whom they can use as a sounding-board."
The official announcement was made by Pope Benedict XVI in Rome.
The Dioceses of Menevia has approximately 27,000 Catholics.
"My first priority will be to meet as many of the priests and people of the dioceses as possible," said Bishop Burns.
Bishop Mark Jabalé said: "Bishop Tom will be inheriting a wonderful dioceses.
"It is probably the smallest in the United Kingdom, but in geographic area it is very large, and has some of the most beautiful scenery.
"The priests who work in Menevia, both diocesan and religious, are a very hard-working, united group of men who are utterly devoted to the people entrusted to their care.
"I am very privileged to have been their bishop, and I am sure that Bishop Tom will feel much the same in a very short time."
The installation of Bishop Tom Burns as the 11th Bishop of Menevia will take place during Mass in St Joseph's Cathedral, Swansea, on 1 December. +++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++++Disclaimer
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(Source: BBC)