Honour for former priest
Published 3 Aug 2012 10:00
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A FORMER Dumbarton priest has been appointed the new Archbishop of Glasgow by Pope Benedict XVI.
His Holiness made the announcement last week.
Archbishop Philip Tartaglia will be replacing the Most Rev Mario Joseph Conti, who has held the position since February 2002.
He joined St Patrick's Church in Dumbarton as an assistant priest in 1993, where he stayed for two years before being appointed Parish Priest of St Mary's, Duntocher.
Commenting on his appointment, the new Archbishop-Elect said: "I am conscious of the historic place of the Archdiocese of Glasgow in the history of Christianity in Scotland and of its importance for the Catholic community in particular. It is a great honour for me to be appointed Archbishop of my native city and diocese."
Bishop Tartaglia said he had been "very happy and fulfilled" as Bishop of Paisley, where he has served since late 2005.
He added: "I have loved my diocese. The priests and people of the Diocese of Paisley will always be in my heart. And I would want to serve the Archdiocese of Glasgow with the same affection and devotion.
"I know I can only be a good bishop with help from above, so I ask everyone to pray for me." Archbishop Conti said: "I am delighted that the Holy Father has appointed Bishop Philip as my successor.
"I have known him for more than 30 years and I have the greatest admiration for his gifts of leadership, intelligence and pastoral sensitivity.
"The Archdiocese will be in very good hands. I hope to remain of service to the people of the Archdiocese and I will place myself at the service of my successor to assist him in whatever way he may wish in the life of the Church in Glasgow."
Following the appointment, The Mass of Installation of the new Archbishop will take place in St Andrew's Cathedral, Glasgow, at 11.30am on Saturday Septmeber 8.
The Archdiocese of Glasgow is the largest of Scotland's eight Dioceses with an estimated Catholic population of 200,000.
It comprises 95 parishes and is served by 203 priests.
The President of the Bishops' Conference of Scotland, Archbishop Keith Patrick O'Brien, said: "Archbishop Conti will be missed in his own Archdiocese, and beyond. His successor has greatly endeared himself to the priests and people of his own diocese and I am sure that while they deeply regret his move, they will also be happy to know that he will be able to continue his heavy responsibilities in the larger Archdiocese."
This article appeared in Dumbarton & Vale of Leven Reporter 31 Jul 12
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