Scottish Catholic Observer

The Papal Nuncio to the United Kingdom, Scotland’s bishops, priests, religious and lay Catholics welcomed Bishop Stephen Robson to his new role as Bishop of Dunkeld last night at his installation Mass.

A procession of 65 priests preceded the entrance of Nuncio Archbishop Antonio Mennini, Bishop Emeritus Vincent Logan of Dunkeld, Archbishop Leo Cushely of St Andrews and Edinburgh, Bishop Robson and his brother bishops into the packed St Andrew’s Cathedral in Dundee.

The Papal bull, read by diocesan administrator Canon Basil O’Sullivan, relieved Bishop Robson of his role as auxiliary bishop in St Andrews and Edinburgh Archdiocese and confirmed him as the ninth Bishop of Dunkeld.

Bishop Emeritus Logan, who retired on health grounds in 2010, had graciously welcomed everyone to the celebrations and it was he who officially greeted Bishop Robson as his successor, formally presenting the younger man with his crozier of office. The two men then embraced warmly.

Inspired by Bishop Robson’s selection of the Liturgy of the recent Solemnity of the Epiphany for his installation Mass, Metropolitan Archbishop Cushley spoke of Gregory the Great’s interpretation of the gifts of the Magi.

“He sees the gifts not as a description of Christ, but as a description of our gifts and talents placed at the Lord’s feet,” the archbishop said.

Gold, he said, represents ‘wisdom,’ frankincense represented ‘prayer’ and myrrh the ‘single minded service until death of those who see to do the Lord’s work.’

“These are precisely the gifts that will be essential to Bishop Robson, [in his new role],” the archbishop added.

Bishop Robson’s upbeat thank you address at the end of the Mass included a pledge to encourage vocations in order to help the over-stretched priests of his new diocese.

“The sacramental work of the priest is very important, but they also have to carry out the pastoral work of the shepherd, and that requires they have time to rest, pray and reflect,” Bishop Robson said. “A big priority must be to encourage vocations to the priesthood and religious life.”

Civic leaders and representatives from other churches joined the congregation for last night’s celebrations which were closed by Deacon Charles Hendry.

Archbishop Philip Tartaglia of Glasgow sent his best wishes to Bishop Robson ahead of the installation Mass.

Pic: Paul McSherry