New Bishop of Plymouth, Mark O'Toole

Rt. Rev. Mark O'Toole was ordained Bishop of the Diocese of Plymouth on the 28th January last. A section from his Ordination speech here;

From the age of 17, Jesus has exerted an attraction over my heart; no other can match the magnetic pull of His love, or the peace that His friendship brings.  We believe that each person is made for such experience, for each of us is a beloved child of the Father, and called to be with Him forever.  We put our belief in Jesus, and our love of Him, at the service of those most in need in our society - the poor, the sick, the vulnerable, those who feel alienated from God.

We need to reach out to those who have turned away from the practise of the faith, many of whom are in our own families and parish communities.  How can we walk with them in a way that will help them to see once more the beauty of following Jesus?  Especially, we are called to step out from the doors of the Church to those who do not know God or who have never known the power of Jesus' love. There are many in our society who search for truth, beauty and goodness, who need to know the touch of God's mercy and the love of Jesus.

This is our mission, and it's task, Jesus entrusts to us all.  I know that there is much that I need to become familiar with in the diocese, many to listen to, and alot to learn.  There is much I do not know.  But one thing I do know.  From all eternity, in the boundless mystery of His merciful love, God has destined Mark O'Toole to be Bishop of Plymouth.  He has prepared me for you, and He has prepared you for me.  So let us begin to walk together.

And as we begin this path we seek the loving intercession of Our Blessed Lady and our Diocesan patrons.

Our Lady, star of the Sea.....Pray for us
St Boniface...Pray for Us
St Cuthbert Mayne...Pray for us

Thank you and God Bless you all.

For his full speech please go to: Diocese of Plymouth - Bishop Mark O'Toole Ordination Speech