Scotland: New Bishop of Dunkeld

Bishop Stephen Robson

Pope Francis has today appointed Bishop Stephen Robson, currently Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh as the new Bishop of Dunkeld.

Bishop Robson will replace Bishop Vincent Logan who stood down as Bishop of Dunkeld after almost 30 years in December 2010 on health grounds. Monsignor Basil O’Sullivan has been the Administrator of the Diocese in the interim.

Reacting to the announcement, Bishop Robson said: “I am deeply honoured to have been chosen by Pope Francis as the next Bishop of Dunkeld. Dunkeld is a beautiful diocese set in the heart of Scotland and I look forward to living and working there, getting to know the clergy, religious and laity and accompanying them on their Christian journey. I look forward to trying to build up the People of God in the Faith and in the confidence of being Catholic in a challenging world. I look forward especially to helping the young and families to live the Gospel and to serve Christ in the Church. A big priority must also be to encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life”

Welcoming the appointment of his successor, Bishop Vincent Logan said: “I was delighted to hear that Pope Francis has chosen Bishop Stephen Robson as my successor as the Bishop of Dunkeld. I offer Bishop Stephen my warmest congratulations on his appointment and assure him of my prayers and support as he prepares to begin his ministry in the Diocese of Dunkeld.”

Archbishop Leo Cushley, Archbishop of St Andrews & Edinburgh, said: “I am delighted that the Holy Father has nominated Bishop Stephen Robson as Bishop of Dunkeld. In my brief time in Edinburgh, I have learned of a widespread affection and respect for him as a person and as a priest, and I will miss his wise counsel, energy and hard work at the service of the Archdiocese. I am sure that the people and priests of Dunkeld will benefit greatly from his goodness, openness and willingness to cooperate with everyone for the sake of Christ and the Gospel. May God bless Bishop Stephen and the flock entrusted to his care.“

The President of the Bishops Conference of Scotland, Archbishop Philip Tartaglia, Archbishop of Glasgow, also congratulated Bishop Robson, saying: “On behalf of the Bishops Conference of Scotland, I congratulate Bishop Stephen Robson on his appointment as Bishop of Dunkeld. I am very pleased for Bishop Stephen and for the Diocese of Dunkeld. I wish him every blessing in his new responsibilities.”

Monsignor Ken McCaffrey in his capacity as Delegate of the Diocesan Administrator, said: “In one sense, our Advent period of waiting has come to an end earlier than we had anticipated. We offer our heartfelt welcome to our new Bishop and promise him a warm welcome to the Diocese of Dunkeld, where we look forward to working with him.”

The installation of the new bishop will take place in St. Andrew’s Cathedral in Dundee very early in January on a date to be announced shortly. Bishop Robson has chosen as his Episcopal Motto: Peregrinator pro Christo - Pilgrim for Christ.

Notes: 

Date of Birth: 1.4.1951. Parents: Leslie and Margery Robson. Ordained: 17.3.1979. Education: University of Edinburgh BSc, 1974; MTh, 1986; Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, STL, 2000, STD, 2003, JCL, 2006. Publications: With the Spirit and Power of Elijah, 2004 (Published Doctoral dissertation, Pontifical University Gregorian Press).

Recreations: Music, reading, cinema, theatre. Clubs and Societies: Member of Institute of Biology; Chartered Biologist of Institute of Biology; Member of Canon Law Society of Great Britain & Ireland.

Career: Ordained, 1979; Assistant Priest, St Mary’s Cathedral, Edinburgh, June- Oct 1979; Assistant Priest, Our Lady of Perpetual Succour (St Marie’s), Kirkcaldy, 1979- 1981; Chaplain, St Andrew’s High School, 1979-1981 ; Teacher training in-service, 1981; Professor, St Mary’s College, Blairs (National Junior Seminary), 1981-1986; Secretary to Archbishop O’Brien, 1986-1988; Post Graduate, Edinburgh University, 1986-1988; Assistant, Holy Cross Edinburgh, 1986-88; Parish Priest, Duns, 1988-1989; Novice, Ampleforth Abbey, 1989-1990; Parish Priest Dunbar, 1990-1993; Assistant Episcopal Vicar for Education, 1990-1993; Vicar Episcopal for Education, 1993 1998; Parish Priest, St John Vianney, Edinburgh, 1993-1997; Parish Priest, St Theresa’s East Calder, 1997-1998; Spiritual Director, Pontifical Scots College, Rome, 1998-2006; Professor, Pontifical Beda College, Rome, 1999 2001; Postgraduate, Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, 1998-2006 (STL, 2000, STD, 2003, JCL, 2006); Parish Priest, North Berwick, 2006-2012; Parish Priest SS John Cantius and Nicholas (2012-present); Judge, Scottish National Tribunal, 2006-2012;

Appointed Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Titular Bishop of Tannuna, Tuesday 8 May 2012; Consecrated Bishop 9th June 2012, St Mary’s Cathedral Edinburgh.

Bishop Robson was awarded The Bellarmine medal in 2004. The Bellarmine medal is a gold doctoral medal awarded annually to the two best doctoral theses submitted each year - one in philosophy and one in theology by the Gregorian University in Rome. He was awarded the theology award in 2004 for his thesis on St Bernard of Clairvaux's spiritual theology.