Archbishop appoints new rector at Oscott seminary

Archbishop Bernard Longley of Birmingham has named Fr David Oakley as the new rector of St Mary’s College, Oscott, the diocesan seminary.

Fr Oakley, aged 57, a former procurator and pastoral director at Oscott College and the current parish priest of Our Lady of the Assumption, Maryvale, will take up his appointment as rector on February 24.

Fr Oakley said: “In this Year of Faith, it is both humbling and an honour to be asked by Archbishop Bernard Longley to become the next rector of St Mary’s College, Oscott. The college is dear to my heart as my alma mater. My generation of students were fortunate to have been formed for the priesthood by so many gifted priests and others who were part of the staff at that time. It was a privilege to serve the college later as procurator and pastoral director. It will be an exciting task once again, to be involved in the life and work of this wonderful seminary. I look forward to the challenge to succeed Mgr Mark Crisp, and his many excellent achievements over the past decade.”

Mgr Crisp, aged 53, who has been rector since 2001, will be taking a well-earned sabbatical. He said: “I am very grateful for the all the blessings I’ve received during my time as rector and it has been a real privilege to work with the seminarians who are so full of energy and enthusiasm for the mission for the Church.”