Scotland: Fr Martin Chambers has died

Fr Martin Chambers

Source: SCMO

The Bishop of Galloway, Bishop Frank Dougan, has today announced that Fr Martin Chambers, a priest of the Diocese of Galloway who was shortly to be ordained as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld, has died.

Bishop Dougan said: "It was with a heavy heart and the deepest sadness that I learned today of the death of Fr Martin Chambers, a priest of the Diocese of Galloway and the Bishop-Elect of the Diocese of Dunkeld. I know his family and the people of Galloway diocese who knew him and loved him will be deeply shocked and dismayed at his untimely death. Together we give thanks for the selfless service he gave to our diocese; we recognise the enormous contribution he made to support some of the poorest communities in Ecuador and we pray for the repose of his soul."

"To know Martin was to know a man of love, enthusiasm, humour and a deep faith which enlivened all that he did."

Bishop Dougan added: "On behalf of the Diocese of Galloway I offer our deepest condolences and the promise of our prayers to Martin's family as they come to terms with his loss, our prayers too are with the people of the Diocese of Dunkeld, who were preparing to welcome him as their bishop in two weeks' time on 27 April. We give thanks to God for the great service of a selfless priest and pray for his eternal rest."

Funeral arrangements will be announced in due course.

Pope Francis nominated Fr Martin on 2 February 2024 as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Dunkeld. His Episcopal Ordination was scheduled for Saturday 27 April, 2024.

Fr Martin was born on 8th June 1964. He was baptised at St Paul's, Shettleston. He attended St Mary's Primary, Irvine Guardian Angels Primary, Bury and later went to St.Vincent's College, Langbank and St Mary's College, Blairs. He trained for the priesthood at the Royal Scots College, Valladolid (1982-1988) & Salamanca (1988-1989). He was ordained Priest for the Diocese of Galloway: on 25th August 1989.

Fr Martin served as Assistant Priest St John's, Stevenston (1989-1993); Parish Priest St Thomas', Muirkirk (1993-1996); Parish Priest St Bride's, West Kilbride (1996-1997). Parish Priest St John's, Stevenston (1997-2004). He served with the Missionary Society of St James in Ecuador's largest city, Guayaquil from 2004-2009.(2004-2009) On his return he was appointed Parish Priest St. Matthew's, Kilmarnock (2009-2023) Administrator St Sophia's, Galston & St Paul's, Hurlford (2013-2015) Parish Priest Our Lady of Mount Carmel (2015-2023); Parish Priest St Sophia's, Galston (2017-2018) and Parish Priest Our Lady of the Assumption & St Meddan's, Troon (2023-2024)

Fr Martin established the 'Martin Chamber Ecuador Trust' in 2006 to support the lives of those who live in the poorest conditions in Ecuador. The Trust continues to support the poorest people in various parts of Ecuador: in feeding programmes; in supporting educational projects; and in giving the people there a helping hand as they set up their community amongst the poorest conditions. For more information see: www.ecuadortrust.org.uk