The Right Reverend Michael Campbell OSA
Bishop of Lancaster
Michael Campbell OSA, was born in Larne, N. Ireland, on 2nd October 1941. He comes from a family of six: three brothers and two sisters. After attending Campion House, Osterley, 1960-1962, he entered the Augustinian Order at Clare Priory in August 1962. On completion of his novitiate he studied philosophy in Dublin for two years, and subsequently obtained BA in Semitic languages in University College, Dublin. He completed his studies for the priesthood at the Gregorian University, Rome, 1968-1772, having been ordained priest by Bishop Pearson in the chapel of Austin Friars School, Carlisle on 16th September 1971.
He served as teacher-chaplain at Christ the King School, Southport, and also as parish curate at St John Stone’s 1972-1975. From 1972-1985 he served in St Monica’s, Hoxton, London as Prior of the community and teacher-chaplain at Bishop Challoner Girls’ School in the East End of London. During this period he obtained his Master’s degree in Biblical Studies from King’s College.
Michael Campbell served in Jos, Northern Nigeria at St Augustine’s Major Seminary when he lectured in Scripture 1985 -1989. He then worked in the Diocese of Lancaster, teaching at Austin Friars School and holding the post of Episcopal Vicar for Religious under the late Bishop Brewer, 1990- 1999. For the last eight years he has been Prior and Parish Priest of St Augustine’s Parish, Hammersmith in the archdiocese of Westminster, where he has been Episcopal Vicar for religious.
On Monday, 31 March 2008, Fr Campbell was ordained Coadjutor Bishop of Lancaster at St Peter’s Cathedral Lancaster.
It was an historic event; Fr Campbell was the first Augustinian Friar to be ordained in England since the reformation of the 16th century and the first bishop to be ordained in St Peter’s Cathedral for 46 years.
On 1 May, the Holy Father accepted the resignation of Bishop Patrick O’Donoghue in accordance with can. 401 § 1 of the Code of Canon Law. Bishop Campbell automatically became the sixth Bishop of the Diocese of Lancaster.
Click here to read about the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Campbell
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