111SHOP JAMES CUNNINGHAM, Vicar Capitular since the death last March

of Bishop McCormack, has been appointed ninth Bishop of the diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.
The new Bishop, whose see comprises the counties of Durham and Northumberland and includes such historic places in the history of the Church as Monkwearmouth, farrow, Lindisfarne and Durham, was appointed Auxiliary to Bishop McCormack last September and was consecrated at St. Mary's Cathedral, Newcastle.
Bishop Cunningham now becomes spiritual head of over a quarter of a million Catholics in a diocese which has sonic 420 priests serving more than 200 parish churches and Mass Centres.
He is also in the somewhat unique position of havitta served ill two occasions as Vicar Capitulat Of a diocese, first at Salford on the death of Bishop Marshall, then at Hexham and Newcastle.
Born in Manchester, Bishop Cunningham, who is 47 years of age was ordained in 1937. After studying Canon Law in Rome he was in 1940 appointed an assistant priest at Salford Cathedral. In the :ollowing year he became secretary to the late Bishop Marshall and 12 years later Administrator of the Cathedral and Vicar General of the diocese.
On the death of Bishop Marshall he governed the diocese until Bishop Beek was appointed when he returned to his duties as Vicar General.
Bishop Cunningham will wear St. Cuthbert's ring one of the most ialuable possessions of Ushaw College.
Although the ring has been proved not to date back to St. Cuthhert's time, it was in fact taken from the Saint's finger where it had obviously been put at a later date, the body then being incorrupt.
No date has yet been announced for the enthronement of Bishop Cunningham.
When news of the appointment was received last week-end, THE CATHOLIC HERALD asked Pr. Edward Harriott of St. Andrew's, Newcastle, for a short message. Fr. Harriott writes:
made a Canon of the Salford Chapter.
As Vicar General under Bishop Beck he so endeared himself to the clergy and people of the SaXord diocese that his promotion to Auxiliary Bishop of 1-lexbant and Newcastle on August 24. 1957, was felt by them to be a great personal loss.
But their loss is our gain. During the four months that have elapsed since the sad decease of Bishop McCormack, he has already given evidence, as Vicar Capitular, of his organising ability. his wide interests, and his untiring zeal.
The diocese of Hexham and Newcastle has very grand and ancient traditions. Its origins are the very reverse of obscure for they sprang in splendour from the Saints of Lindisfarne.
Today its clergy and its people welcome their new Bishop and greet him as one whom His Holiness has deemed not unwoi thy to wear the ring of the great St. Cuthbert.