The Rt Rev Mgr Canon Philip Moger is to become the next Rector of the National Shrine of Our Lady of Walsingham in Norfolk. He will take up his new responsibilities in September 2020.
Mgr Moger’s appointment follows the end of the five year term of office of the current Rector of the Shrine, the Rt Rev Mgr John Armitage.
Mgr Moger is a priest of the Diocese of Leeds and is currently the parish priest of St John Mary Vianney in Leeds.
The Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Marcus Stock, sent a message to the clergy, religious and lay faithful of the Diocese of Leeds announcing the appointment.
In the message Bishop Stock said:
‘As Mgr Moger’s bishop, I am reluctant to see him leave us to minister outside of this diocese, albeit for a limited term of office; as a member of the Bishops’ Conference of England and Wales though, I am delighted that we have a priest of such talent and ability leading one of the Catholic Church’s important national institutions.
‘I know that Mgr Moger will be sorry to leave the parish of St John Mary Vianney in Leeds, only a year after having taken up appointment there last summer. I know too that he will miss living nearby to you, the clergy, religious and lay faithful of our diocese, during the course of these next few years. However, Mgr Moger can be confident that he will take up his new appointment with the assurance of our prayers, affection, friendship and support.
‘Please pray for Mgr Moger as he continues to provide the pastoral leadership and spiritual care for his current parish until the summer, and as he prepares for this important national ministry.’
