Today, Bishop Philip Egan, the Chapter of Canons and the Bishop’s Council today offered a Thanksgiving Mass at St John’s Cathedral Portsmouth, for Monsignor Paul Townsend and Canon Michael Dennehy in recognition of their years of service as Vicar Generals to the Lord’s Church and to the Diocese.
Monsignor Paul had been Vicar General, and Head of the Department for Clergy and Canon Michael was Vicar General and the Moderator for the Curia.
The occasion was a wonderful opportunity for all to express their heartfelt thanks to the Lord for their service and demanding work for the Diocese.
Both were eager to stress that they are not retiring, as Monsignor Paul will continue as a Parish Priest in Ringwood and Fordingbridge and Canon Michael is taking a well-deserved sabbatical for a year and will then return to the Diocese.
Two new Vicar Generals have been appointed, Canon David Hopgood and Father James McAuley. Father James will become Dean of the Cathedral and Moderator of the Curia.
Our prayers are with them as they start their new roles.
Photo shows from Left to right: Father James McAuley. Canon David Hopgood, Bishop Philip Egan, Monsignor Paul Townsend and Canon Michael Dennehy.
Recent Posts
St Peter’s Church in Winchester officially launched its centenary celebrations last night with a stunning light show that lit up the church inside and out. The opening event, titled Light [...]
Calling all young people! Entries are now open for the 2026 Catholic Young Writer Award and Catholic Young Artist Award. The theme for the 2026 Catholic Young Writer Award is [...]
The Catholic Diocese of Portsmouth is delighted to announce its annual pilgrimage to Lourdes, taking place from Monday 6th July to Friday 10th July, departing from London Heathrow Airport. Bishop [...]
The Portsmouth Bamenda Committee supports the link between Portsmouth Diocese and the Archdiocese of Bamenda which was established over 50 years ago. Members of the committee work with counterparts in [...]
