The Vatican’s Dicastery for the Clergy has appointed Fr Mark Cassidy as the next Rector of the Pontifical Scots College in Rome in succession to Fr Dan Fitzpatrick. The appointment was made, following the recommendation of the Bishops Conference of Scotland.
Fr Cassidy will take up his new post on 1st August 2022. Fr Cassidy studied at the Scots College Rome and was Spiritual Director of the college from 2011 to 2018.
Reacting to his appointment Fr Cassidy said:
“I am aware of the trust that the bishops have expressed in nominating me as the next Rector of the College in Rome. I am aware of the vital importance of the seminary in the life of the Scottish Church and look forward to being involved once more in the formation of a new generation of priests for service in Scotland. Fr Dan and his predecessor Mgr John Hughes brought their own gifts and talents to the role of Rector, and I intend to do all I can to build on the good work that they did.”
“I have been blessed over the past four years by the generous and unstinting support of the parishioners of St Mary’s Lochee, St Columba’s and St Leonard & St Fergus (all Dundee) and of my two fellow priests Fr Alex Obiorah and Fr Jean Gove. They have formed me anew in my priesthood and it is with a heavy heart that I leave this pastoral role.”
Bishop Hugh Gilbert, President of the Bishops’ Conference of Scotland, reacted to the appointment by saying: “On behalf of all the bishops of Scotland, I wish Fr Mark every blessing in his new role, while extending our gratitude to the Diocese of Dunkeld for allowing him to serve the church nationally in such a crucial position. I wish him every success in his new and important responsibilities.”