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Catholics across Sussex and Surrey welcomed a new bishop on Monday 19 October, when Bishop Stephen Wang was ordained as the sixth Bishop of Arundel & Brighton.

Pope Leo XIV announced Bishop Stephen’s appointment in July. Monday’s Mass of Ordination at the Cathedral of our Lady and St Philip Howard was attended by His Excellency Archbishop Miguel Maury Buendía, Apostolic Nuncio to Great Britain, clergy, consecrated men and women, and lay faithful, with representatives of other Christian traditions and the Muslim, Jewish and Hindu communities, united in marking this important moment in the life of the Diocese.

The presider was the Most Reverend John Wilson, Archbishop of Southwark, with the Most Reverend Richard Moth, Archbishop of Westminster, and His Eminence Cardinal Vincent Nichols, Archbishop Emeritus of Westminster, serving as co-principal ordaining bishops.

Highlighting the importance of service and accompaniment, Archbishop John said:

“A bishop is called to shepherd God's people in the footsteps of Christ, the Good Shepherd. I know Bishop Stephen will lead the people of Arundel & Brighton towards the Lord Jesus, especially by seeking out those who are lost, and walking together with those he will serve. May the Lord Jesus strengthen Bishop Stephen and guide him as he shepherds his people.”

Bishop Stephen converted to Catholicism as a teenager. Reflecting on his journey of faith in a speech at the end of the Mass, he said, “I’d come to know Jesus and his Church; I knew I wanted to belong, but I had no idea where it would lead.” He studied Theology at Cambridge University and later completed a PhD exploring the question of human happiness.

As a priest he was involved in parish and prison ministry, and went onto teach philosophy and theology, and work with university students.

At the Catholic university chaplaincy in London in 2014, he launched “Sycamore”, a faith formation programme used across the world. Parishioners at St George’s and St Wilfrid’s Catholic churches in Eastbourne Deanery follow the series, and like people across the Diocese have become extremely familiar with Bishop Stephen, as Sandra King explains:

“Using Sycamore in sacramental preparation has given members of our parish a real connection with the new Bishop. We look forward to the vision and energy we are sure he will bring. Together, we hope to continue growing our families of faith and parish communities.”

During the Mass, following the Gospel and the Promise of the Elect, the congregation of more than 600 joined in the Litany of Supplication. Through the laying on of hands by the assembled bishops and the solemn Prayer of Ordination, Bishop Stephen received the fullness of the Sacrament of Holy Orders, before being anointed with Sacred Chrism and receiving the Book of the Gospels, the ring, mitre and crozier – symbols of his call to proclaim the Good News and serve as a shepherd to God’s people.

Children from St Clement’s Catholic Primary School in Ewell were among many who sent messages of support to Bishop Stephen. Oscar, Liliana, Zuri, Boe and Max shared that they were “excited that Bishop Stephen has been given the opportunity to show his faith” and “share new ideas” and encouraged him to “believe in his dreams, and trust in his heart and God.” They added, “Do not be afraid! It’s OK to ask for help!”

Welcoming Bishop Stephen, diocesan Trustee, Sr Jane Bertelsen FMDM assured him of the “prayers and support of people across the community” as he embraces his new ministry as “shepherd leader” of the Diocese. “As religious communities,” she said, “we are committed to participating in the unfolding mission of our Diocese as we seek to be a Church that reflects the face of God for our time.”

Bishop Stephen was appointed Rector of the Venerable English College, one of two English and Welsh seminaries in Rome training men for the priesthood, in 2021; he moved to West Sussex less than a month ago. At the end of the Mass, he highlighted a deep gratitude “to God for his goodness; to the Blessed Virgin Mary and all the saints; and to family and friends, living and dead.”

“What a wonderful diocese we have!” he added. “I’m truly grateful for the privilege of being your shepherd, your father, your brother... We have important work to do as a diocesan family: to grow in faithfulness and holiness, to care for those in need, and to share the Good News of Jesus Christ with those we meet.”

Words from St Paul’s Letter to the Ephesians form the basis of Bishop Stephen’s episcopal motto: “Veritas in caritate.” Reflecting on their significance, he said:

“‘To speak the truth in love’ is a phrase that has inspired my whole priesthood: the search for truth, and the conviction that truth and love can never contradict. If we love God, and love our neighbour; if we seek the truth and speak the truth in love; what more could God want from us, and what more could we hope for each other?

“I’ve felt remarkably peaceful over the last three months,” he continued, “It’s definitely a grace – the spiritual joy and consolationI’ve experienced since my appointment. I’m not complacent; I understand there will be challenges, but I know it’s all in God’s hands.”

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