A Mass to celebrate the eightieth birthday of Bishop Emeritus Séamus Cunningham took place on Thursday 30th June 2022 at the Cathedral Church of St Mary, Newcastle.
Current bishop Robert Byrne was joined by over 20 priests who attended the Mass in a packed cathedral.
Bishop Emeritus Séamus Cunningham was ordained 13th Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle and installed in the Cathedral Church of St. Mary, Newcastle on 20th March 2009, the feast of St. Cuthbert, patron of the Diocese, by Liverpool’s Archbishop Patrick Kelly, Metropolitan of the Northern Province.
He was appointed Apostolic Administrator for the Diocese by Pope Francis on Monday 4th February 2019 until his successor, Bishop Robert Byrne was installed as the 14th Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle on Monday 25th March 2019.
During the Mass, Bishop Seamus thanked all present for ‘the great turnout of priests and laity’.
“It’s so wonderful to see so many of the laity here,” he said.
“We’re in a wonderful diocese with wonderful priests who are very committed and very hard-working and we have a wonderful laity. I want to thank you for the help and support you have given me over the years. It’s wonderful to see so many familiar faces here.”
Picture: Mike March.