New Bishop of Down and Dromore - 9th February Installation invitation

The Rt Revd David McClay (pictured) has become the new Bishop of Down and Dromore following his ordination in St Anne’s Cathedral, Belfast, on Saturday 25th January.

Bishop McClay was ordained by the Archbishop of Armagh, the Most Revd Dr Richard Clarke, before a cathedral filled to capacity. Family, representatives from the parishes of the diocese, friends and colleagues had made the journey from all over Ireland, England and the United States. The new Bishop was welcomed to loud applause.

The Dean of Connor, The Very Revd Sam Wright, gave the address. He and Bishop McClay began theological college together 35 years ago and quickly became friends. Dean Wright paid tribute to Bishop McClay’s parents, Roly and Kathleen, whom he has known for many years and who had “modelled the Christian life and upheld their son in prayer every step of the way.”

At a reception which followed in Ulster University’s Birley Building, Bishop McClay expressed his thanks to all those who had taken part in the service; to his parents and family and to the many people who had travelled a distance to be there. Bishop McClay made special mention of his training rector, the late Roland Hutchinson.

Bishop McClay will be Installed in Dromore Cathedral on Sunday 9th February at 3.30pm. All Newcastle parishioners are invited. (RSVP by Tuesday 4th February to dromorecathedral@outlook.com)