Scottish Catholic Observer

The bishop, who served served in Motherwell Diocese from 1983 until his retirement in 2013, died at Wishaw General Hospital.

Announcing his death on social media, Motherwell Diocese said: “It is with great sadness that the Diocese of Motherwell announces the death of Bishop Joseph Devine today in Wishaw General Hospital.

“Bishop Devine served as Bishop of Motherwell from 1983 until his retirement in 2013.

“Please pray for the repose of his soul and for his family, friends and the clergy of the diocese at this time.

“May the Lord take the soul of his worthy servant to Himself. Requiescat in pace.”

Born in Glasgow on August 7, 1937, Bishop Devine was educated at St Ninian’s Primary School, Kirkintilloch, St Mary’s College, Blairs, and St Peter’s College, Cardross.

He was ordained a priest in Glasgow on June 29, 1960, and studied at the Scots College, Rome and the Gregorian University, Rome.

He served as:

Private Secretary, Archbishop of Glasgow, 1964-65

Assistant priest, St Robert Bellarmine, Glasgow, 1965-67

St Joseph’s, Helensburgh, 1967-72

On staff of St Peter’s College, Cardross, 1967-74

Assistant chaplain, Catholic Chaplaincy at the University of Glasgow, 1974-77

Episcopal Vicar, lay apostolate 1974-83

He was nominated titular bishop of Voli (and auxiliary bishop) on May 5 1977 and ordained a bishop by Archhbishop Thomas Joseph Winning of Glasgow in St Francis’ Church Glasgow on May 31, 1977.

He was translated to Motherwell on May 13, 1983.

He retired on May 31, 2013, having handed his resignation to the Vatican on his 75th birthday, as required by canon law.