Oratorian priest becomes new auxiliary bishop of Birmingham, UK
(Vatican Radio) The Catholic archdiocese of Birmingham in England welcomed a new auxiliary
bishop on Tuesday: he’s Oratorian Father Robert Byrne and his episcopal ordination
took place in St Chad’s Cathedral at a Mass led by the Archbishop of Birmingham Bernard
Longley.The new bishop is a former provost of the Oxford Oratory and he has served
until now as National Ecumenical Officer for the Bishops’ Conference of England and
Wales.
Born in Manchester in 1956, Fr Robert entered the Birmingham Oratory
in 1980 and founded the Oxford Oratory ten years later. He has a special interest
in prison ministry and says he hopes to follow the example of Pope Francis, serving
to the poor and marginalized in the archdiocese of Birmingham.
Just ahead of
his consecration, Fr Robert spoke with Philippa Hitchen about his work and about his
hopes as he takes over this new ministry….