Diocese welcomes its new bishop

The bishop-elect has been visiting the region over the past few weeks

Senior church leaders gathered on Tyneside for the ordination of the new Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle.

Canon Kevin Dunn became the 12th Bishop of the diocese when he was ordained at St Mary's Cathedral, in Newcastle, on Tuesday.

He succeeds Bishop Ambrose Griffiths who has reached the retirement age of 75 after 12 years in the post.

Canon Dunn, 53, is from Newcastle-under-Lyme, in Staffordshire.

Bishop Ambrose, assisted by the Archbishop of Birmingham, Most Rev Vincent Nichols, and the Archbishop of Liverpool, Most Rev Patrick Kelly, ordained the new Bishop.

'Hard task'

There were 26 bishops at the ceremony together with civic leaders from across the region and representatives of other denominations.

Since his appointment at the end of March, Bishop-elect Dunn has visited parts of the region, including Durham Cathedral and Holy Island with Bishop Ambrose.

He said: "In recent weeks I have learned much about the North East and have taken the opportunity to visit when possible.

"Now I have moved here I am very keen to make much more rapid progress and to have opportunities to meet with and listen to the people of the region.

"There is no doubt that, in following Bishop Ambrose, I have a hard task set.

"I know the high regard in which he is held by many - Catholics and non-Catholics, religious and secular alike. With God's help I hope to build on his fine example and leadership.