In March 2008, Kevin Dunn Bishop of Hexham and Newcastle passed away. Its was a sad time for Roman Catholics across the diocese and indeed the country. My colleagues and myself were entrusted with the funeral arrangements for Bishop Kevin who was interred into the crypt at St. Marys Cathedral Newcastle. Bishop Kevin was received into St. Marys Cathedral on the evening of the 10th March and his Requiem Mass was celebrated on Tuesday the 11th. Both services were solemn and dignified and well attended. Words from former Bishops of Hexham and Newcastle, the Archbishop of Birmingham Vincent Nichols and Archbishop of West Minster Cardinal Cormack Murphy O'Connor were of most comfort. Since that time, the diocese appointed an Administrator until His eminence the Pope appointed a new Bishop. The Vicar General Canon Seamus Cunningham from St. Marys Cullercoats and Our Lady and St. Oswin Tynemouth was given the post. I have been informed today that our new Bishop is Seamus Cunningham who has been acting administrator. I join all Roman Catholics across the diocese in welcoming Bishop Seamus to his new post. I have had many dealings in the past with Canon Cunningham through my work as a funeral director and look forward to offering him prayer and support along with the rest of the diocese. Ken L Lown www.watsonsfuneraldirectors.co.uk
