Local man ordained bishop to assist Bishop Noble

5 March 2010

Bishop Mark Davies was ordained as Coadjutor Bishop of the Diocese of Shrewsbury at a ceremony in St Anthony's church, Wythenshawe, Manchester on February 22, the feast of the Chair of St Peter.

Bishop Davies will assist Bishop Brian Noble, the principal celebrant at the Mass, until his retirement. The new bishop is no stranger to the area, having spent more than 25 years as a priest in the neighbouring Diocese of Salford, and large numbers of clergy and people attended from across the River Mersey, joining their Shrewsbury neighbours in the impressive ceremony.

Assisting the Bishop of Shrewsbury during the ordination ceremony was Archbishop Patrick Kelly of Liverpool, and Bishop Terence Brain of Salford. Bishop Davies served both during his time in Salford, as secretary and vicar general respectively.

The bishop learned of his appointment shortly before Christmas, and since then has accompanied the bishops on their recent ad limina visit to Pope Benedict XVI.

The Pope's letter of appointment was read out during the Mass. In his homily Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham spoke of the role of the bishop and the mystery of Christ's identity.

He said: "'Who do you say I am?' It is a question asking whoever answers to search deeply within, and to continue searching until he find Peter's affirmation: 'You are the Christ, the Son of the living God.' "