Bishop Emeritus John Cunningham of Galloway has died. The diocese announced that he passed peacefully at his home with Little Sisters of the Poor in Greenock earlier today. He was 83.
He served as Bishop of Galloway from 2004 to 2014, when he was succeeded by Bishop Bill Nolan.
Born in Paisley he was ordained a priest for that diocese in 1961. He held many roles within the Church including being parish priest of St Patrick’s Greenock for twelve years and Vicar General of Paisley Diocese for seven.
When appointed Bishop of Galloway he chose as his episcopal motto ‘Congregare in unum’ (To bring together as one).
During his time as bishop he petitioned the Holy Father to move Galloway’s cathedral from Holy Shepherd, Ayr to St Margaret’s Church in Ayr. Permission was granted in February 2007 and the new Cathedral of St Margaret was re-dedicated on the following 14th September.
He was a keen pilgrim and led numerous pilgrimages to Lourdes, the Holy Land and Whithorn.
He is survived by his brother Mgr James Cunningham and predeceased by his brother Canon Thomas Cunningham.