Pope Benedict XVI has appointed the Very Reverend Monsignor Stephen Robson as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh. Stephen Robson is currently Chancellor of the Archdiocese of St Andrews and Edinburgh and Parish Priest of North Berwick & Dunbar.
The new Bishop will assist Cardinal Keith O’Brien in the administration of the diocese. The diocese last had an Auxiliary Bishop in 1996 and the appointment reflects Cardinal O’Brien’s national responsibilities and his international role as a member of a number of Pontifical Councils in Rome.Commenting on the appointment Cardinal O’Brien said; “I have known the new Auxiliary Bishop, Mgr Stephen Robson for well over 35 years.
He has been involved with me in pastoral work and school work, seminary apostolate and during his further studies, literally everything a priest should be involved in. I am happy once again to have an Auxiliary Bishop to help in pastoral work and administration following on from my previous Auxiliaries; Bishop Monaghan (1985 – 1989) and Bishop Rafferty (1990 – 1996).
Cardinal O’Brien added; “Mgr Stephen combines two great qualities in a very special way: He is highly respected by his brother priests and also by the Deacons, religious and people of this Archdiocese and beyond because of his open, friendly and pastoral zeal; Also, he combines his very personal manner with his own deep spirituality and academic learning, so that he can bring to bear on a variety of problems an incisive knowledge and an ability at decision making.”
Cardinal O’Brien concluded; “I have every hope that he will continue to work well with me and everyone in our Archdiocese in the years which lie ahead as I become ever more aware of my national responsibilities in our country and my responsibilities to Pope Benedict XVI as a Cardinal of our Church.”
The Episcopal ordination of the new bishop will take place in St. Mary’s Cathedral in Edinburgh on the Feast of St Columba, Saturday 9 June 2012 at 2pm, in the presence of the Apostolic Nuncio, HE Archbishop Antonio Mennini.