New Bishop of Brentwood describes appointment by Pope Leo as 'great privilege'
Bishop Timothy Menezes is taking on the job
The new Bishop of Brentwood says it's a “great privilege” to be appointed by Pope Leo.
The Pope appointed Bishop Timothy Menezes, to become the eighth bishop of the diocese of Brentwood, which was erected in 1917.
Bishop Menezes, 56, who previously worked as an auxiliary bishop in Birmingham, succeeds Bishop Alan Williams who resigned after turning 75 in March.
Of the appointment, Bishop Menezes said: “It is a great privilege to be appointed by Pope Leo XIV as Bishop of the Diocese of Brentwood.
“I’m aware there will be much to learn, so I ask the lay faithful, the clergy and the religious of the diocese to pray for me, and with me, in our shared mission as pilgrims of hope in a world in need of hope.
“I am grateful for all those who have shaped my life, faith and priestly ministry in the Archdiocese of Birmingham over many years.”
He was ordained a priest in July 1995, and in August this year, he was critical of the assisted dying bill and encouraged Catholics to contact their MPs.
Bishop Alan Williams, S.M., said:“I am delighted that the Holy Father has appointed Bishop Timothy Menezes the new Bishop of Brentwood. The Diocese of Brentwood is a diverse and welcoming community of parishes and schools in Essex and East London.
“As Bishop Timothy undertakes his new ministry of shepherd to the faithful of the diocese, I will continue to hold both the new bishop and the people of God in my prayers.”
Archbishop Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster and President of the Catholic Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales, said:
“I am delighted to welcome Bishop-elect Timothy Menezes as he prepares to take up his new post as Bishop of Brentwood. He brings excellent experience, gained in his priestly and episcopal service in the Archdiocese of Birmingham, where he will be missed greatly.“
“I welcome him to the Province of Westminster and join the priests and people of Brentwood in prayer, as they prepare to welcome their new Bishop. Bishop Alan Williams, S.M. has given dedicated service in Brentwood and good wishes and prayers go with him to new pastures.”
Bishop Menezes will be formally installed as the new Bishop of Brentwood at the Cathedral Church of St Mary and St Helen in Brentwood on December 3.