Pope names new Bishop for Argyll and the Isles
A new Bishop for Argyll and the Isles has been appointed by the Pope.
Monsignor Brian McGee, the current vicar general of the diocese of Paisley and priest of Holy Family Parish in Port Glasgow, will take up the role.
He succeeds Bishop Joseph Toal, who vacated the post in April last year to become the Bishop of Motherwell.
Bishop-Elect McGee, 50, said: 'It was very humbling, and indeed frightening, to be informed by the Papal Nuncio that Pope Francis had nominated me to be the new bishop of the diocese of Argyll and the Isles. However, after reflection and prayer I now face this mission with quiet but definite confidence.'
The Greenock-born Bishop-Elect admitted it would be a wrench for him to leave Paisley, but spoke of his excitement to be heading to Argyll and the Isles.
He said that, although he is not yet a Gaelic speaker, he will endeavour to promote its use in worship.
And he added: 'I recognise that I have much to learn about the diocese of Argyll and the Isles and I hope to be a good listener. It is an area I already love. I already look forward to living within what will be my new diocese and I am sure that I will naturally come to love its people.'
Bishop-Elect McGee will be ordained at a later date at St Columba's Cathedral in Oban. Congratulating him on his appointment, Bishop John Keenan of Paisley said: 'He is loved and respected dearly by his own parishioners in Holy Family, Port Glasgow, who will miss him, and his elevation leaves big shoes to fill in the diocese of Paisley.'