Pope Francis has named Monsignor Brian McGee as the new bishop of Argyll and the Isles.
The diocese has been without a Bishop since last year April when Bishop Joseph Toal became Bishop of Motherwell.
Bishop-elect McGee is the current Vicar General of the Diocese of Paisley and parish priest of Holy Family in Port Glasgow.
Monsignor McGee was named new Bishop of Argyll and the Isles diocese yesterday morning in Oban Cathedral.Reacting to his appointment, he confessed that he initially found the prospect of his appointment by the Pope “frightening”.
He said: “It was very humbling, and indeed frightening, to be informed by the Papal Nuncio that Pope Francis had nominated me to be the new bishop of the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles.
“However, after reflection and prayer I now face this mission with quiet but definite confidence.
He expressed his sadness about leaving the Diocese of Paisley but spoke of his “excitement” about going to Argyll and the Isles Diocese.
“I already look forward to living within what will be my new diocese and I am sure that I will naturally come to love its people.”
“I am also mindful of the diocese’s rich Gaelic character and I, although not yet a Gaelic speaker, will endeavor to promote its rightful use in the worship of God.” he added.
Monsignor James MacNeil, Administrator of the Diocese of Argyll and the Isles, said: “It is with gratitude that we the clergy and faithful of the diocese of Argyll and the Isles welcome the news that Pope Francis has appointed Mgr Brian McGee as the new bishop of our diocese.
“We welcome him with joy and he can be sure of the support, cooperation, affection and prayers of the community of the diocese as he begins his ministry of leadership and service.”
Mgr McGee was born in 1965 at Greenock, he schooled at St. Joseph’s primary School Greenock, Holy Cross Primary School of Greenock, St. Vincent’s College,Langbank, St Mary’s College, Blairs, and St Patrick’s College in Thurles, Ireland.
He was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Paisley in 1989.
Bishop-Elect McGee will be ordained at St. Columba’s Cathedral in Oban on a date yet to be confirmed.
