Bishop John McDowell

They say that one person's gain can be another person's loss - and that feels just like the situation that the Diocese of Clogher feels today! As we lose our Bishop to the Archbishopric of Armagh, we will lose a great bishop and pastor, whereas we will gain an excellent archbishop for the wider church!

I have witnessed Bishop John at his best recently as he dealt with the death of our esteemed colleague, Revd Canon Mark Watson. He comforted the grieving family, he gave direction and support to a bereaved parish, and conducted one of the most appropriate and sensitive funerals I've ever had the privilege to attend. He has been a supportive bishop since my appointment to the parish of Aghavea, and I have found him to be very approachable and encouraging. In short, he has been a good friend and pastor to the clergy and people of the diocese.

His appointment on Wednesday to the diocese of Armagh has been welcomed by everyone - and deep down, we all wish him well as he takes up his new post. Armagh has got a worthy successor to Archbishop Richard Clarke, and the 146th Bishop of Armagh.

We will welcome a new bishop to Clogher Diocese, and will welcome him or her to the post, and support him or her as well as we have supported Bishop John. I am certain that they will support and encourage us as much as he has, and will provide the support and direction that we will need.

Please pray for Bishop John and his family as they start rounding up their work in the diocese and start making plans to move to the ecclesiastical capital of Ireland, Armagh.

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