Bishop of Northampton facts for kids
Quick facts for kids {{{name}}} |
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|---|---|
| Location | |
| Ecclesiastical province | Westminster |
| Information | |
| Established | 29 September 1850 |
| Cathedral | Northampton Cathedral |
The Bishop of Northampton is a very important leader in the Catholic Church in England. They are in charge of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Northampton. A diocese is like a special area or district for the Church.
The main office of the Bishop is in the town of Northampton. Here, you'll find the Northampton Cathedral, which is the Bishop's main church. It's called the Cathedral Church of Our Lady and Saint Thomas of Canterbury.
The person who is currently the Bishop is David Oakley. He became the Bishop on March 19, 2020.
How the Diocese Began
The story of the Diocese of Northampton started a long time ago. In 1840, a special Church area was created. It was called the Apostolic Vicariate of the Eastern District. Think of it as a temporary Church region.
This new area was made from parts of other Church districts. It included counties like Cambridgeshire, Huntingdonshire, Lincolnshire, Norfolk, Northamptonshire, Rutland, Suffolk, Bedfordshire, and Buckinghamshire.
In 1850, something big happened! The Catholic Church in England and Wales was officially reorganized. This was done by Pope Pius IX. Most of the Eastern District then became the Diocese of Northampton.
The person who was in charge of the Eastern District, William Wareing, became the very first Bishop of Northampton. Some parts of the old Eastern District, like Lincolnshire and Rutland, became part of a different diocese. This was the Roman Catholic Diocese of Nottingham.
Over the years, the borders of the diocese changed a bit. In 1976, the Diocese of Northampton became smaller. This happened when the Diocese of East Anglia was created. It took over areas like Cambridgeshire, Norfolk, and Suffolk.
Leaders of the Diocese
Since it was first created, many bishops have led the Diocese of Northampton. They guide the Catholic community in their area.
The first leader of the Eastern District, who later became the first Bishop of Northampton, was William Wareing. He started as the Vicar Apostolic in 1840. Then, in 1850, he became the first Bishop of Northampton. He served until 1858.
Many other bishops have followed in his footsteps. Each one has played an important role in the history of the diocese. They have worked to support the Church and its members.
The current Bishop is David Oakley. He is the latest in a long line of leaders for the Diocese of Northampton.
