A SOUTHAMPTON canon has been announced as the new Catholic Dean of Jersey.

Canon Dominic Golding takes up the reins of his new position on September 27 after he leaves his current role as Dean of the Catholic Cathedral of St John in Portsmouth.

The 49-year-old had been the Dean for the past five years, where he also served as the Bishop's deputy as Vicar General of the Diocese.

He takes over from Monsignor Nicholas France, who was the Catholic Dean of Jersey for 19 years.

Monsignor France has been a Catholic priest since 1968 and as he has reached the age of 75-years-old, he must now retired under Canon Law.

The outgoing Dean's tenure was celebrated throughout the week with a vin d'honneur at Highlands College, on the island.

It was hosted by the Bailiff, Sir William Bailhache, and attended by other church leaders and states members.

During the event on Sir Bailhache presented Monsignor France with the Bailiff’s Silver Medal in recognition of his significant contribution to the island as its Catholic Dean.

The Catholic Bishop of Portsmouth, the Right Rev Philip Egan, appointed Canon Golding, who was ordained a priest in 1994.

Previously he served as a parish priest in the principal parishes of Reading and Basingstoke and he will be based at St Thomas’ Church in St Helier.

Monsignor France will head off to Southampton this week and reportedly said he is looking back on his time in Jersey with fond memories.

He added: "It's been a beautiful experience being in Jersey and I give thanks to God for that and now gracefully I must retire."

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