The Rt Rev Mgr Canon Philip Moger has been appointed as the next Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk.
Mgr Moger will take up his new responsibilities in September 2020, after the end of the five-year term of office for the current Rector, 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.
Marcus Stock, the Bishop of Leeds, announced the appointment in a message to the clergy, religious and laity of the diocese.
“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,” Bishop Stock said.
“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.”
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