Archbishop of Southwark
At 11:00 am (GMT) on Friday, 4th December 2009, The Holy Father accepted the resignation of Archbishop Kevin McDonald of Southwark in accordance with Canon 401 §2.
The Archbishop submitted his resignation to the Holy Father having taken account of medical advice.
The Archbishop has had a triple heart bypass and also suffers from severe osteoarthritis. This has already necessitated surgery and the Archbishop envisages further surgery in 2010.
Archbishop Kevin said:
“I feel great sadness at having to relinquish my post as Archbishop of Southwark. Although I have had to contend with illness over the last three years, this appointment has been a great grace. It has been a privilege to lead this great Diocese and I have received a wonderful response to everything I have tried to do. I have also been very appreciative of the prayers of so many people while I have been ill. The Diocese will continue to be very much in my thoughts and prayers in the time ahead.”
In Southwark we heard with shock about Archbishop Kevin’s resignation, although most of us were aware of his ill-health. One could hear a pin drop when the resignation letter was read in our church on Sunday. We are grateful for the service that Archbishop rendered and I urge that we all keep him in our prayers. We also pray that the Holy Spirit guides those charged with searching for his replacement.