Pope Francis has appointed Father John Keenan, Catholic Chaplain to the University of Glasgow, as Bishop of Paisley. Father Keenan, a member of the St. Andrew’s Foundation, will be ordained as Bishop on March 19, the liturgical feast of St. Joseph.

We are delighted at the recognition of Fr. John’s intellectual and pastoral gifts. Since his appointment as Catholic Chaplain to the University of Glasgow, Father John has worked hard to build up Turnbull Hall (named after Bishop William Turnbull, the fifteenth century founder of the University of Glasgow) and has played a significant role in many university events, especially at our graduation ceremonies.

Reacting to the announcement, Bishop-Elect Keenan said:

“While nervous at my appointment, I have been very uplifted at the congratulations and good wishes I have received so far which have given me more confidence. Everyone I speak to says Paisley is a wonderful diocese with good priests and people full of faith. I am looking forward to being with my brother priests, many of whom I already know really well, and getting to know the people and the parishes of the diocese. I hope just to settle in and listen a lot.

"At the same time I leave Glasgow with a heavy heart. I have loved my priesthood there from the very beginning and know I have family and many friends who will continue supporting me. This is an exciting time in the Church under Pope Francis' lively leadership and I hope to put as much of his vision into my own personal life and ministry as I can. I know many people in Paisley and Glasgow will be praying for me and I thank them very much.”

First published: 11 February 2014

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