West England and the Diocese of Clifton have a new bishop 

The Diocese of Clifton has a new bishop as of 14 March 2024. Pope Francis has appointed Rev. Canon Bosco MacDonald as the tenth Bishop of Clifton.

It follows the Pope on the same day accepting the resignation of the Right Reverend Declan Lang as Bishop of the Diocese of Clifton, one of 22 dioceses in England and Wales.

“I am humbled that His Holiness Pope Francis has called me to become the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Clifton, following the retirement of Bishop Declan Lang who has served us so lovingly and faithfully for 23 years, giving his life completely to the joys and hopes as well as the challenges of our Catholic communities here in the West of England,” says Bishop-elect Bosco MacDonald.

“As I embark on this new journey, I am filled with gratitude for the prayers and affection of so many wonderful priests and people, family and friends far and wide.

“I am eager to renew my profession of faith and deepen my communion with the Successor of Peter and my brother Bishops. And just as Pope Francis encourages Bishops to be close to their people in a spirit of service, I accept this new role in obedience to my priestly call with a commitment to serve the priests and people of Clifton to the best of my ability, with care, tenderness and compassion.

“May the love of Christ and the intercession of Our Blessed Lady, Conceived Without Sin guide every step I take as the 10th Bishop of this lovely Diocese of Clifton.”

The bishop-elected previously served as a priest of the Diocese of Clifton, and as the Dean of the Cathedral Church of St Peter and St Paul in Bristol, reports the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales website.

Born in Bath on 21 July 1963, MacDonald was baptised at the parish church of St Mary’s in the city. He studied at the seminary in Valladolid, Spain, and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Clifton at St John’s in Bath on 6 July 1991.

Among the various priestly positions that he has held subsequently, in 2010, MacDonald was appointed Amicus Clero for the diocese. The term means “friend of the clergy” and the incumbent offers a listening ear for any priest with pastoral or personal concerns.

On hearing the news about his replacement, Bishop Declan Lang, who was ordained the ninth Bishop of Clifton on 28 March 2001 and has served the Diocese for 23 years as its bishop, said:

“I would like to congratulate Canon Bosco MacDonald and accompany him with my prayers on his appointment as the 10th Bishop of the Diocese of Clifton. He has many years of pastoral experience having worked in a number of parishes both as an assistant priest, parish priest and Dean of Clifton Cathedral. He brings much experience to his new ministry within the diocese, which he will carry out with dedication and faithfulness.

“I am sure he will also be a valuable member to the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales as we discern the way forward in a changing society.

“Please remember Canon Bosco in your prayers as he prepares for this new ministry.”

The Episcopal Ordination of Bishop-elect MacDonald will take place in the Cathedral Church of Saints Peter and Paul in Bristol. The date for the ordination will be announced in due course.

Photo: Screenshot showing the pastoral areas of the Diocese of Clifton. (Image from www. cliftondiocese.com.)

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