A Marist priest, Fr Alan Williams has been named the new Bishop of Brentwood in England.
The appointment was made by Pope Francis and was announced at a press conference yesterday.
The former Regional Superior of the Marist District of England says he was both “surprised and humbled” to be appointed by Pope Francis.
“There is indeed a God of surprises and in my life as a priest and religious, I have learned to trust ever more in the grace of God for whatever task has been assigned to me”, he said.
Fr Williams, a quietly spoken man, is currently director of the National Shrine of Our Lady at Walsingham.
“The best way to learn about my new diocese is to meet the people.
“I’m not happy simply sitting in an office, that’s not me.
“Bentwood with it mix of East London boroughs, towns and rural areas is both exciting and challenging,” he said.
Fr Williams is a people-person and says that working with people brings out the best in him.
“We can learn together and go forward together,” he said.
Fr Williams is a keen mountaineer. He “tries to see God in all things”.
During his priestly ministry, Fr Williams has been a secondary school teacher, school and university chaplain, parish priest, a trustee of a refugee centre in London, Major Superior of the Marist Fathers in England and chairman of the Society of Mary’s General Finance Committee.
He holds degrees in theology, psychology and religious education.
He succeeds Bishop Thomas McMahon, who held the position for 34 years and whose resignation upon reaching the age limit was accepted by Pope Francis.
Fr Williams will be ordained bishop by Bishop McMahon on July 1 in the cathedral of St Mary and St Helen, Brentwood.