Our Bishop Elect, Fr Martin Chambers
In a statement at 1pm, on Wednesday 10th April 2024, our Diocesan Administrator, Canon Kevin Golden announced the sad news:
“It is with deep regret and sorrow that I have to inform you that our Bishop Elect, Martin Chambers, died in his sleep last evening. May he rest in peace and may his family and loved ones find consolation in the Risen Lord and the love of family and friends.”
“While, of course we know nothing of the funeral arrangements yet I feel it is important that we gather together as a diocese to celebrate Mass for Fr Martin. To that end I invite you to join with me at St Andrew’s Cathedral this Friday, 12th April, at 1pm.”
“Everyone will be welcome to join in this Easter Celebration of the Eucharist.”
Eternal rest grant unto his soul, 0 Lord, and let perpetual light shine upon him. May his soul and the souls of all the faithful departed, through the mercy of God, rest in peace.
Bishop Frank Dougan, Bishop of Fr Martin’s home Diocese of Galloway, said, “It was with a heavy heart and the deepest sadness that I learned today of the death of Fr Martin Chambers, a priest of the Diocese of Galloway and the Bishop-Elect of the Diocese of Dunkeld. I know his family and the people of Galloway diocese who knew him and loved him will be deeply shocked and dismayed at his untimely death. Together we give thanks for the selfless service he gave to our diocese; we recognise the enormous contribution he made to support some of the poorest communities in Ecuador and we pray for the repose of his soul.”
“To know Martin was to know a man of love, enthusiasm, humour and a deep faith which enlivened all that he did.”
Bishop Dougan added: “On behalf of the Diocese of Galloway I offer our deepest condolences and the promise of our prayers to Martin’s family as they come to terms with his loss, our prayers too are with the people of the Diocese of Dunkeld, who were preparing to welcome him as their bishop in two weeks’ time on 27 April. We give thanks to God for the great service of a selfless priest and pray for his eternal rest.”