Bishop of Clifton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids {{{name}}} |
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|---|---|
| Location | |
| Ecclesiastical province | Birmingham |
| Information | |
| Established | 29 September 1850 |
| Cathedral | Clifton Cathedral |
The Bishop of Clifton is a very important leader in the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton. This diocese is like a special church area in England. The Bishop is the main leader, or "Ordinary," for this area.
The main church, called the Cathedral Church of SS. Peter and Paul, is in Clifton, a part of Bristol. This is where the Bishop's special chair, called a "cathedra," is located. The Bishop of Clifton is in charge of Catholic churches and communities in Gloucestershire, Somerset, Wiltshire, and the city of Bristol.
The newest Bishop is Bosco MacDonald. He was chosen to be the 10th Bishop of Clifton on March 14, 2024.
A Quick Look at the History of the Diocese
The story of the Clifton Diocese began a long time ago. Before it was called the Diocese of Clifton, it was known as the "Apostolic Vicariate of the Western District." This was set up on January 30, 1688. It covered a very large area, including many counties like Cornwall, Devon, Gloucestershire, and all of Wales.
Later, in 1840, some of this big area was separated to create the "Welsh District." Then, in 1850, a big change happened. The Catholic Church in England and Wales was reorganized by Pope Pius IX. The old Western District was divided into two new dioceses: the Diocese of Clifton and the Diocese of Plymouth. This is how the Diocese of Clifton officially began!
Who Has Been the Bishop of Clifton?
Many important leaders have served as the Bishop of Clifton since 1850. They have guided the Catholic community in this region through many years.
- Joseph William Hendren was the very first Bishop of Clifton. He was appointed on September 29, 1850.
- Thomas Burgess became bishop in 1851 and served until 1854.
- William Hugh Joseph Clifford was bishop for a long time, from 1857 to 1893.
- William Robert Brownlow served as bishop from 1894 to 1901.
- George Ambrose Burton was bishop from 1902 to 1931.
- William Lee led the diocese from 1931 to 1948.
- Joseph Edward Rudderham was bishop from 1949 to 1974.
- Mervyn Alban Alexander became bishop in 1974 and retired in 2001.
- Declan Ronan Lang served as bishop from 2001 until his retirement on March 14, 2024.
- Bosco MacDonald is the current Bishop, appointed on March 14, 2024.
