THE Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth has announced that Monsignor Philip Egan will become its eighth bishop this September.

He will be inducted into the role at a service which will be held in St John’s Cathedral, Portsmouth on Monday, September 24. Father Philip has been a priest since 1984 and is frequently asked to speak at theological symposia and at catechetical gatherings. He comes to the Diocese after being appointed a Canon of Shrewsbury Cathedral last year and Prelate of Honour to his Holiness Pope Benedict XVI in 2011. He succeeds Bishop Crispian Hollis, who has held the role since 1989. In a statement on the Diocese of Portsmouth’s website Father Philip said: “It is with trepidation and yet with profound trust in the loving mercy of the Sacred Heart of Christ, that I accept the Holy Father’s appointment as the new Bishop of Portsmouth, in succession to dear Bishop Crispian. “I look forward with joy to working with my fellow priests and with all who minister in parishes, schools and other contexts, caring for the people of God.

“As I begin this ministry, I sincerely ask you for your prayers, together with those of our brothers and sisters in the other Christian communities and indeed of every person of faith and goodwill.”

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