15 Facts About Mervyn Alexander

Mervyn Alban Alexander was the Bishop of the Roman Catholic Diocese of Clifton from 1974 to 2001.

Mervyn Alexander was born on 29 June 1925 in Highbury, London, the eldest son of William and Grace Alexander.

Mervyn Alexander began his education at Bishop Wordsworth's School in Salisbury.

Mervyn Alexander later attended Prior Park College, Bath, then run by the Irish Christian Brothers.

Mervyn Alexander trained for the priesthood at the Venerable English College, Rome and was ordained Priest on 18 July 1948 in the Leonine College, Rome.

Mervyn Alexander continued his theological studies at the Pontifical Gregorian University, Rome, and obtained his Doctorate in Divinity in 1951.

Mervyn Alexander acted as Chaplain to the Bristol Maternity and Homeopathic Hospitals.

Mervyn Alexander became part-time Chaplain to the University of Bristol in 1953 and was appointed full-time Chaplain in 1964.

Mervyn Alexander succeeded Joseph Rudderham on 20 December 1974 to become the 8th Bishop of Clifton.

Mervyn Alexander was a member of the Vatican Secretariat for Non-Believers, and Chairman of the National Commission for Non-Believers, Vice-Chairman of the Liturgy Commission, and Episcopal President of the Catholic Child Welfare Council.

Mervyn Alexander was Chairman of the Committee for Art and Architecture from 1983 until 1999, as well as Episcopal Adviser to Marriage Encounter from 1980.

Mervyn Alexander presided at a Diocesan Synod which took place from 1987 to 1988.

In February 2001 Bishop Mervyn Alexander was recognised by the University of Bristol for his contribution to the life of the City and the University and was awarded an honorary Doctorate of Laws.

Mervyn Alexander was succeeded as Bishop of Clifton by Bishop Declan Lang on 28 March 2001.

Bishop Mervyn Alexander died on 14 August 2010 at St Angela's Home, Clifton, at the age of 85.