Scottish Catholic Observer

Bishop Michael Evans was diagnosed with advanced prostate cancer six years ago. He had been battling the illness ever since but had continued serving his flock until he was admitted to hospital on Thursday July 7. He died last Monday evening.

A letter from the bishop was recently read out to congregations across the diocese. He wrote of his illness at the time and his wish to continue in his role as long as possible.

“In the last few weeks, the cancer has rather quickly taken control,” he wrote. “My oncology and palliative care consultants informed me openly and honestly that I now probably have only weeks to live, and I am as prepared for that as I can be, accepting it with faith as a gift of God’s grace.

“Rather than resign, I would like to continue among you as your bishop and the father of our diocesan family until this stage of my life ends.”

A statement from the diocese paid tribute to the care he received from medical professionals.

“Bishop Michael Evans, the Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, passed peacefully away yesterday (Monday) evening at 7.10pm in the Norfolk & Norwich University Hospital, aged 59,” the statement said. “He continued his ministry throughout his cancer treatment even though his engagements were limited from the beginning of this year as his condition deteriorated.

“The East Anglia Diocese would like to pay tribute to the care the bishop has received from the local surgery and the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital throughout.”

Michael Evans was appointed as the third Bishop of East Anglia by Pope John Paul II on February 14, 2003. Upon his appointment as bishop he said he was greatly surprised at the news.

“I have a real sense of my unworthiness for this responsibility, but I accepted this new ministry with a joyful though nervous ‘yes,’” he said.

He was born in South London in 1951 and ordained a priest in Southwark in 1975. He spent two years as assistant priest at St Elizabeth’s in Richmond, Surrey.  From 1977-1979 he studied for a Master of Theology degree at Heythrop College, University of London, and then returned to St John’s Seminary for eight years as lecturer in Christian doctrine.  From 1985-1987 he was vice-rector at the seminary.