The Vatican Congregation for Clergy has appointed Fr Daniel Fitzpatrick as rector of the Pontifical Scots College, succeeding Mgr John Hughes.
Fr Fitzpatrick, a trainee surgeon prior to his ordination to the priesthood, has been vice-rector of the Scots College in Rome since 2012. He will take up his new post on August 1.
Fr Fitzpatrick said he was “deeply humbled” by the appointment. He said: “Having been on the staff for over three years as vice-rector, I am aware of the importance of the seminary in the history of the Church in Scotland and of the vital role it continues to play in forming priests for the future.
“I would like to thank Mgr John Hughes who departs after six years as rector for his work and encouragement and indeed the whole college community for their commitment and enthusiasm for the Gospel.
“I have been greatly blessed all my priestly life and pray that I will be able to guide our men through their years for formation to ordination and look forward to welcoming the new men that God calls through the prayers of so many to serve in his Church as priests,” Fr Fitzpatrick said.
Archbishop Tartaglia, president of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, said: “As he takes up his new post of rector of the Pontifical Scots College Rome, Fr Dan Fitzpatrick enjoys the full support of the bishops’ conference and the confidence of the student community. As a former rector of the Scots College myself, I wish him every success and blessing in his new and important responsibilities.”
Bishop John Keenan of Paisley said: “The whole diocese is proud and honoured at this appointment. Fr Dan will do a good job in helping to form the next generation of priests for Scotland.”
A native of Paisley, Fr Fitzpatrick was a parishioner of St Mirin’s Cathedral Parish, where his mother Margaret remains a parishioner. He attended St Catherine’s Primary School Annexe and St John Ogilvie Primary School (both Paisley) prior to his secondary education at St Aloysius College, Glasgow.
He studied medicine at Glasgow University where he qualified as a doctor. Dr Fitzpatrick was training in general surgery when he felt the call to the priesthood. He began his priestly formation at the Scots College Rome in 1995.
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