Canon Christopher Whitehead will be consecrated as the 10th bishop of the diocese in succession to Archbishop Mark O’Toole who 18 months ago was transferred to Cardiff and Menevia.
The bishop-elect previously served as a parish priest in Bath in the neighbouring Diocese of Clifton where he had also worked as director of Adult Education, director of ongoing formation of priests, and director of formation for the permanent diaconate.
Bishop-elect Whitehead said: “With complete trust in the gentle, guiding hands of the Lord, I take up the appointment that our Holy Father Pope Francis has entrusted to me. This is not something I could have ever imagined and willingly give myself to where the Lord has called me to serve and with all I have to offer.
“Like my own diocese of Clifton, Plymouth is such a beautiful part of this country, and I am truly happy to have the opportunity to make my home among its great people.
“Clifton has been my home for the 54 years of my life, and it is where I learned to walk in the ways of faith and where my priestly vocation was born and nurtured. For that I will be eternally thankful. So too for the teachers and guides who have shown me the way, the priests and religious who have inspired me, and all who have supported me with their love and prayers. I am where I am because of their love, their witness, their example, and their kindness.
“As I begin this challenging and exciting journey in the service of God’s Church and the people of the Diocese of Plymouth, I ask for the prayers of the children, women, and men of my new diocese. I need these and the prayers of my brother priests, and the religious communities, and all people of good will. Please pray that I may have the gifts of courage, wisdom, prudence and discernment, as your servant.
“Naturally I feel apprehensive about the ministry now entrusted to me, and so I place myself in the loving hands of our God, knowing he is always faithful. I thank God for his merciful love and pray that God’s most Holy Spirit may enable me to be faithful in all I do, remaining ever attentive to the Gospel and his love. I pray that I be a gentle shepherd to God’s people and a loving father to those I have been called to serve – wanting to ensure that the Church in the Diocese of Plymouth continues to be a safe and welcoming space for all.”
Canon Paul Cummins, the diocesan administrator of Plymouth joined Cardinal Vincent Nichols of Westminster, president of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, in offering their congratulations.
Cardinal Nichols said: “He brings a wide pastoral experience from his years in Clifton diocese, together with a dedication to the work of evangelisation and education.
“I welcome him to the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales and assure him of lasting friendships and support from his fellow bishops.
“I assure him of my own prayers and ask you to keep him in your prayers as he prepares to take up these new steps in his service of the Church.”
Bishop Declan Lang of said the new bishops has “many talents arising from his experiences as a parish priest and one time director of our Adult Education and Evangelisation Department. He is also the Director of Formation for the Permanent Diaconate”.
“His singing voice is noteworthy as is his cooking!” he added.
Bishop-elect Whitehead was born in Gloucester in August 1969, the eldest of three brothers, and studied for the priesthood at St Mary’s, Oscott, Birmingham, after leaving school in 1987.
He was ordained priest in 1994 and has served in parishes in Bath, Swindon, Bristol, Warminster and Stroud.