Latest News Pope Francis appoints Canon David Oakley to be the 13th Bishop of Northampton The Holy Father has appointed Canon David Oakley, currently rector of St Mary’s College, Oscott, to be the thirteenth Bishop of Northampton. Cardinal Vincent Nichols will celebrate the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Elect David in Northampton Cathedral on the Solemnity of St Joseph on Thursday 19 March 2020. Speaking of his appointment Bishop Elect David said: “I was very surprised to be appointed by Pope Francis to be Bishop of Northampton. “Obviously this involves leaving the Archdiocese of Birmingham where I have lived all my life and being a priest for the past 40 years. “I am very aware of my own weaknesses but also know God’s loving grace and mercy and that is what I put my trust in and I hope that everyone will keep me and my new ministry in their prayers.” Bishop Peter Doyle, the current Bishop of Northampton, rejoices in this good news. The Bishop has worked closely with Bishop Elect David during his seven years as rector of the seminary at Oscott, and knows him to be a man of faith and prayer, and a pastoral priest and wise teacher. The Most Reverend Bernard Longley, Archbishop of Birmingham, said: “Warmest congratulations to Canon David. “This is wonderful news, especially for the Diocese of Northampton, and I am delighted that Canon David will bring his considerable experience and many gifts to his new responsibilities. “We shall greatly miss Canon David in the Archdiocese of Birmingham. I am immensely grateful to him for the 40 fruitful years that he has served as a priest of the Archdiocese and in particular for all that he has brought to the work of formation at St Mary’s College, Oscott as Rector these last seven years.” WATCH: Appointment announced in Northampton Cathedral Manage Cookie Preferences