middlesbrough-diocese.org.uk/?p=430 -
[Cached Version]
Published on: 2/20/2008
Last Visited: 2/20/2008
Bishop John became ill in January 2007, and initially took three months sick leave in the hope of a restoration to full fitness.His health did not improve, and sadly in May 2007, the Holy Father accepted his resignation as our Bishop on health grounds.The Diocesan Consultors elected me as Diocesan Administrator responsible for the Diocese until the appointment of a new Bishop.As I write, we have just had the news that Mgr Terence Drainey, President of Ushaw College, has been appointed our new Bishop and will be ordained in the Cathedral on Friday 25th January 2008.Do remember him and, also, Bishop John in your prayers.
So now let me turn to 2006.It was a year of significant change with the appointment following a diocesan wide consultation of a full-time lay person supported by Fr John Lumley, as Priest Director, to lead our Adult Formation Team.