Bishop elect of Dunkeld in Scotland dies shortly before ordination service; last week he went to Lourdes to pray for his new diocese

The bishop-elect of Dunkeld in Scotland has died two weeks before his ordination service that was due to occur on 27 April.

Only last week, Fr Martin had travelled to Lourdes on pilgrimage to pray for his new diocese. In a statement released 10 April, the diocesan administrator for Dunkeld, Canon Kevin Golden, announced the sad news:

“It is with deep regret and sorrow that I have to inform you that our Bishop Elect, Martin Chambers, died in his sleep last evening.”

Fr Martin was believed to be in good health and his death is a further blow to both his home diocese of Galloway and to the diocese and parishes of Dunkeld, which lost Bishop Stephen Robson to ill-health and early retirement in late December 2022, reports the Tablet. 

The Diocese of Dunkeld had been preparing to welcome Fr Martin as their new bishop in two weeks’ time on 27 April. The sudden death of the 59-year-old bishop elect has sent shock waves around the Church in Scotland.

“I know his family and the people of Galloway diocese who knew him and loved him will be deeply shocked and dismayed at his untimely death,” said Bishop Frank Dougan of the Diocese of Galloway. “To know Martin was to know a man of love, enthusiasm, humour and a deep faith which enlivened all that he did.”

Glasgow-born Fr Chambers had been parish priest at Our Lady of the Assumption and St Meddan’s in Troon, reports Independent Catholic News (ICN).

In 2006, he established the “Martin Chamber Ecuador Trust” to support the lives of those who live in the poorest conditions in Ecuador. The Trust continues to support the poorest people in various parts of Ecuador: in feeding programmes; in supporting educational projects; and in giving the people there a helping hand as they set up their community amongst the poorest conditions. 

Upon his appointment as bishop, Fr Martin pledged that he would be a “missionary disciple” and noted that “we must sit as disciples at the feet of Jesus, listening to Him and letting Him guide our steps”.

He also highlighted a curious symmetry, notes the Tablet, in having been accepted into seminary by Bishop Joseph McGee of Galloway, who had formerly served as a priest in the Dunkeld diocese. “In a strange way,” Fr Martin said on accepting Pope Francis’s nomination, I am returning a compliment in faith, for having started as a priest of Galloway, I am now becoming Bishop of Dunkeld.”

In advance of any funeral arrangements, the Diocese of Dunkeld has announced that it will celebrate Mass for Fr Martin at St Andrew’s Cathedral this Friday, 12 April, at 1 p.m.

Photo: Fr Martin Chambers in Lourdes, courtesy Archdiocese of Glasgow.

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