Ex city priest is a bishop

Monsignor John Wilson, former Priest of St Martin de Porres Church in Wakefield, was made a bishop in a prestigious ceremony in Westminster Cathedral on Monday,

About 125 Wakefield people travelled to London to watch the ordination.

His old parish included St Austin’s and English Martyrs churches in the city centre. His new role in London sees him as one of five looking after the largest Catholic diocese in the country.

The appointment was instructed by Pope Francis in November. The newly entitled Right Reverend John Wilson described his new role as “an enormous privilege”.

He added: “I am rarely lost for words, but when His Excellency Archbishop Mennini, the Apostolic Nunio, informed me that I had been nominated by Pope Francis as an Auxiliary Bishop of Westminster I was reduced to silence. Aware of my unworthiness it was only after prayer, and with complete trust in God’s provident goodness, that I accepted.

“There is inevitably some sadness for me in leaving the Diocese of Leeds and the parish of St Martin de Porres in Wakefield. Over the past 20 years I have received countless blessings through the local diocese. I thank everyone from the bottom of my heart and will always remember them with gratitude before the Lord.”

Wakefield MP Mary Creagh, who attended the ceremony, said: “I offer the new Right Reverend Wilson my heartfelt congratulations.”