The Rt Rev Mgr Canon Philip Moger is to become the next Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk, United Kingdom. He will take up his new responsibilities in September 2020.

Mgr Moger’s appointment follows the end of the five-year term of office of the current Rector of the Shrine, the Rt Rev Mgr John Armitage.

Mgr Moger is a priest of the Diocese of Leeds and is currently the parish priest of St John Mary Vianney in Leeds.

The Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Marcus Stock has sent a message to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Leeds announcing this appointment.

In the message Bishop Stock says:

“As Mgr Moger’s bishop, I am reluctant to see him leave us to minister outside of this diocese, albeit for a limited term of office; as a member of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales though, I am delighted that we have a priest of such talent and ability leading one of the Catholic Church’s important national institutions.

“I know that Mgr Moger will be sorry to leave the parish of St John Mary Vianney in Leeds, only a year after having taken up appointment there last summer. I know too that he will miss living nearby to you, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of our diocese, during the course of these next few years. However, Mgr Moger can be confident that he will take up his new appointment with the assurance of our prayers, affection, friendship, and support.

“Please pray for Mgr Moger as he continues to provide the pastoral leadership and spiritual care for his current parish until the summer, and as he prepares for this important national ministry.”

Bishop Stock’s Message

Addressing the clergy, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Leeds, the diocesan Bishop, the Right Reverend Marcus Stock wrote:

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ

I’m writing to inform you that on Tuesday 21 January 2020, the Standing Committee of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales nominated the Rt Rev Mgr Canon Philip Moger for appointment as the next Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk. The nomination was made with my prior approval and with Mgr Moger’s agreement.

The role of the Rector is to oversee the mission of the National Shrine and to be responsible for the pastoral and spiritual care of pilgrims, the Shrine Chaplains and visiting clergy. The Rector also promotes the message and work of the Shrine nationally and internationally.

Mgr Moger’s appointment follows the conclusion of the term of office this year of the current Rector of the Shrine, the Rt Rev Mgr John Armitage. The term of office for the Rector is five years and Mgr Moger will take up his new responsibilities in September 2020.

As Mgr Moger’s bishop, I am reluctant to see him leave us to minister outside of this diocese, albeit for a limited term of office; as a member of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales though, I am delighted that we have a priest of such talent and ability leading one of the Catholic Church’s important national institutions.

I know that Mgr Moger will be sorry to leave the parish of St John Mary Vianney in Leeds, only a year after having taken up appointment there last summer. I know too that he will miss living nearby to you, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of our diocese, during the course of these next few years. However, Mgr Moger can be confident that he will take up his new appointment with the assurance of our prayers, affection, friendship and support.

Please pray for Mgr Moger as he continues to provide the pastoral leadership and spiritual care for his current parish until the summer, and as he prepares for this important national ministry.

With every blessing, I remain

Yours sincerely in the Lord,
Marcus Stock
Bishop of Leeds

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