At 12 noon today (Monday 27th May 2024) in Rome (11am GMT) it was announced, that Pope Francis had nominated Canon Andrew McKenzie as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld. He will succeed Bishop Stephen Robson who was Bishop of Dunkeld from 2013 to 2022.
Reacting to his appointment, Fr. Andrew said:
“I am humbled by the trust that Pope Francis has placed in me by inviting me to be the next Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld. With faith in God’s guidance, and with some nervousness, I accepted his invitation.”
I look forward to getting to know the priests and people of the diocese and to joining them in the work of spreading the Gospel of Jesus Christ. I take courage in the understanding that I will not be working alone, for each of us has a role to play in the work of evangelisation.”
“I have good memories of the diocese from a previous role as Director of Priests for Scotland when I was a regular visitor to Dundee at the invitation of Bishop Vincent Logan. I look forward to reconnecting with people and places.”
“I know that this has been a difficult time for the Diocese of Dunkeld with the unexpected death of Bishop Elect Martin Chambers. We remember him and continue to pray for his eternal rest.”
Responding to the news Dunkeld’s Diocesan Administrator Fr. Kevin Golden said:
“The Diocese of Dunkeld rejoices today that our Holy Father Pope Francis has appointed Canon Andrew McKenzie, a priest of the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the Administrator of St Andrew’s Metropolitan Cathedral in the city of Glasgow, to be the new Bishop of Dunkeld.
The priests, religious and lay people of the Diocese of Dunkeld assure Bishop-Elect Andrew of a very warm welcome, and we promise him our prayers and our loyalty. We look forward to his leadership and his shepherding of the flock in this Diocese.
We renew our thanks for the Episcopal ministry of our Bishop Emeritus Stephen Robson, and we do not forget Father Martin Chambers, for whose eternal rest, we pray.”
Dunkeld’s Bishop Emeritus, Stephen Robson stated: ‘I am delighted that the Holy Father has appointed in such a timely manner, Canon Andrew McKenzie as the next Bishop of Dunkeld.”
“Canon Andrew, whom I have known for many years will receive a warm welcome from clergy, religious and the people here in the beautiful Diocese of Dunkeld.”
Canon Andrew, succeeds Bishop Stephen Robson, who resigned due to ill health in December 2022 and Bishop-elect Martin Chambers, who was named to Dunkeld earlier this year but died before being ordained bishop.
A spokesperson for the Archdiocese of Glasgow said:
Commenting on the news, Archbishop Nolan, said he was delighted, while recognizing that Glasgow’s loss was Dunkeld’s gain.
The Archbishop said: “We congratulate Fr Andrew McKenzie on his appointment as Bishop and may I also congratulate Dunkeld Diocese who now acquire a fine priest as their leader and guide.
“In his 36 years of priestly service, the Archdiocese of Glasgow and the wider Church in Scotland have benefited from his talent, his commitment, his perseverance, and the high standards he has set in a variety of ministries.
“He has shown care for parishioners and care for his fellow priests, with a devotion also to the worthy celebration of liturgy and the praise and worship of God.”
The new Bishop holds a degree from St John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota. He has worked in seminary formation, as National Director of Priests for Scotland and with the National Liturgy Commission and has wide pastoral experience including time as Parish Priest at St Joseph’s Tollcross and St Andrew’s Cathedral.
He has recently been co-ordinating the programme of discernment of pastoral provision in the Archdiocese of Glasgow.
Born 15th October 1964 in Glasgow.
Educated at Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School (1969 – 1976); Lourdes Secondary (1976–1982); St. Peter’s College Newlands (1982-1985); Chesters College Bearsden (1985-1988).
Ordained Priest Our Lady of Lourdes 31st October 1988
Appointed assistant priest St. Michael’s Dumbarton and school chaplain to Our Lady & St. Patrick’s High School (1988-1994); Appointed assistant priest Holy Cross Croy and school chaplain to St. Ninian’s High School Kirkintilloch and to St Maurice’s High School Cumbernauld. (1994-1998)
Further study, MA Liturgical Studies St. John’s University, Collegeville, Minnesota USA (1996-1998)
Appointed assistant priest St. Andrew’s Cathedral (1998-1999)
Appointed to the seminary staff of Scotus College (1999-2004); Visiting lecturer (2004 -2009); Director of Priests for Scotland (2004-2012).
Appointed Parish Priest St. Joseph’s Tollcross (2012-2022) and Administrator St. Joachim’s Carmyle (2013-2022); Administrator of St. Andrew’s Cathedral Glasgow (2022 – present day).
Chair of the Council of Priests (2019-2021)
Archdiocesan Master of Ceremonies (2012-present day)