Archbishop Richard Moth of Westminster

The Pluscarden community joins so many others in praying now especially for Richard Moth, recently appointed Archbishop of Westminster.

Previously, he has been (among many other roles) Vicar General in the Southwark Archdiocese; then Bishop of the Forces (2009); then Bishop of Arundel and Brighton (2015).

Our congratulations are due also to the Archdiocese of Westminster, and to the whole Catholic Church in England and Wales, and indeed to the whole Catholic Chuch in Great Britain: rejoicing together at the news of this important appointment.

Bishop Richard has been a close, loyal and faithful friend of Pluscarden for decades. He has been an oblate of ours for over 40 years. He has always taken his oblate commitment with the utmost seriousness: not only visiting each year without fail, and supporting the community in multiple ways, but also, for example, preaching and writing for fellow oblates.

Do we congratulate Bishop Richard on this promotion? He certainly did not ask for it, or volunteer, any more than he has ever volunteered for ecclesial promotion. Each new post certainly brings its graces, and its joys, but also each must be a new heavy burden, a new Cross, a new way of being asked to die to self, a new renunciation. 

Let Bishop Richard at least be assured of the abiding prayer of Pluscarden monks, and also of all Pluscarden oblates and friends. 

Let him know too of our faithful friendship, our profound respect, and our love, as he takes up his new challenge. He does so simply out of obedience to the Pope, and to the commitment he made at his ordination in 1982, which he has never withdrawn: to be available, according to God's will, for service. For that, we certainly congratulate and thank him.