Belcarra native Canon Seamus Cunningham is to be the next Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle in the UK.
Pope Benedict XVI has appointed Canon Cunningham, from Carrowjames, Belcarra, to the role after he served as administrator of the diocese for the past 10 months since the death of his predecessor, Bishop Kevin Dunn.
Canon Cunningham was ordained nearly 43 years ago. He was educated in St Nathy’s College, Ballaghaderreen, and St John’s College in Waterford where he was ordained to the priesthood.
The 66-year-old has worked in England in many parishes since and is looking forward to continuing the initiatives started by Bishop Dunn.
Having a long, varied and wide experience of pastoral, educational, and administrative work throughout the diocese has made him known as a quiet builder of both parish and diocesan communities.
Canon Cunningham said: “Although I was surprised to be asked to undertake this task, I am glad that the diocese will not have to face another change of style within very few years. I hope to start by continuing Bishop Kevin’s initiatives before seeking anew what will be best at this time to meet the many challenges in spreading the Gospel today and working with other church bodies and the civil authorities.”
The eldest in a family of 10 Canon Cunningham is brother to Pat Cunningham, Rathbawn, Castlebar; Gerry, Tony, and Mick, Belcarra; Sr Helen, Dublin; Sr Teresa, Galway; Ann Burns, Galway; Mary Prendergast, Meath; and Sean (deceased ). His parents were the late Anthony and Mary Cunningham, Carrowjames, Belcarra.
Family members will travel to Newcastle for the consecration ceremony which will take place at noon on March 20.
