Bishop David Waller (centre) with Fr Andrew Starkie (left) and Fr David Lashbrooke © Mazur/CBCEW The Apostolic Nuncio with the Mandate © Mazur/CBCEW

The Rt Revd David Waller was consecrated Bishop and appointed Bishop of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham in a service at Westminster Cathedral on Saturday 22 June 2024.

The Apostolic Nuncio delivered the Mandate for consecration from the Holy Father, which was read in English by the Chancellor of the Ordinariate.

Coat of arms of Pope FrancisFrancis, Bishop, Servant of the Servants of God, to our beloved son David Arthur Waller of the clergy of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham in England and Wales and hitherto its Vicar General, appointed Ordinary of the Ordinariate with episcopal dignity, Greetings and Blessing.

The ineffable mystery of love is manifested in the Cross, on whose branches hung the treasure and redemption of men, Jesus Christ in whom are our salvation, life and resurrection. For that most noble tree, as the ancient hymn celebrates it with praises, is more sublime than the cedars of Lebanon, which does not produce harmful fruit, but bears the rewards of life.

Therefore, refreshed and supported by this truth of faith, We, while exercising the role of blessed Peter, confidently direct Our attention to the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham in England and Wales, to which, after the resignation of the Right Reverend Father Keith Newton, We want to appoint a new leader. But you, my dear son, who have so far laboured diligently in the said Ordinariate as Vicar General, showing your love for Christ and his Church, as well as the talents of your mind and heart, seem fit to perform this office.

Therefore, by the fulness of Our Apostolic Power and Authority, having heard the advice of the Dicastery for the Doctrine of the Faith, We appoint you Bishop Ordinary of the Personal Ordinariate of Our Lady of Walsingham in England and Wales, with all due rights bestowed and the corresponding obligations imposed, according to the norms of canon law and the Apostolic Constitution Anglicanorum coetibus, as are appropriate to this office.

Before episcopal ordination, which you will be able to receive from a Catholic bishop anywhere outside of Rome, you must make a profession of faith and take the oath of fidelity to Us and Our successors, according to the norms of the sacred canons. We also want the clergy and faithful of your Ordinariate to be informed about this letter of Ours; We invite all of you to keep the commandments of Christ diligently in your daily life.

Finally, dear son, We entrust your ministry to the intercession of the Blessed Virgin Mary and St Joseph her most chaste spouse, so that they may obtain for the grace to carry out this command more seriously every day in the joy of the Lord.

Given at Rome, at the Lateran, on the twenty-fourth day of the month of April, in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty-four, in the twelfth year of Our Pontificate.

Franciscus

More photos from before the service and the service itself are available on the Bishops’ Conference Flickr site. The service itself was streamed and is available on YouTube.