Burchell McPherson

The Most Reverend

Burchell Alexander McPherson
Bishop Emeritus of Montego Bay
McPherson in 2015
ArchdioceseKingston in Jamaica
DioceseMontego Bay
Installed8 June 2013
Term ended16 October 2023
PredecessorCharles Dufour
SuccessorJohn Derek Persaud (Apostolic Administrator)
Orders
Ordination23 June 1991
Consecration8 June 2013
by Donald James Reece, Neil Edward Tiedemann and Charles Dufour
Personal details
BornBurchell Alexander McPherson
(1951-05-07)7 May 1951
Died25 March 2026(2026-03-25) (aged 74)
Kingston, Jamaica
DenominationRoman Catholic
MottoService before self
Coat of arms
Styles of
Burchell Alexander McPherson
Reference style
Spoken styleYour Excellency
Religious styleBishop

Burchell Alexander McPherson (7 May 1951 – 25 March 2026) was a Jamaican Roman Catholic prelate, who served as the third Bishop of the Diocese of Montego Bay from 2013 to 2023.[1]

Early life and education

McPherson was born in Mavis Bank, Jamaica on 7 May 1951.[2] He was educated at St. Michael’s Seminary and the University of the West Indies before beginning his theological studies for the priesthood.[3]

Priesthood

McPherson was ordained a priest for the Archdiocese of Kingston on 23 June 1991.[1] During his ministry, he served as the pastor of St. Pius X and St. Peter Claver parishes, and later as the pastor of St. Joseph’s Church in Falmouth.[3] He was known for his extensive community work and spiritual leadership within the local parishes.[4]

Episcopal ministry

On 11 April 2013, Pope Francis appointed McPherson as the Bishop of the Diocese of Montego Bay.[2] He was consecrated on 8 June 2013, with Archbishop Donald James Reece serving as the principal consecrator.[1]

His tenure as bishop focused on pastoral outreach and the strengthening of diocesan infrastructure. On 16 October 2023, the Holy See announced that Pope Francis had accepted his resignation from the governance of the diocese.[5]

Death

McPherson died in Kingston on 25 March 2026, at the age of 74, following a period of illness.[4]

References

  1. ^ a b c "Bishop Burchell Alexander McPherson". Catholic-Hierarchy.org. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  2. ^ a b "Rinunce e Nomine, 11.04.2013". Holy See Press Office (in Italian). 11 April 2013. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  3. ^ a b "Reverend Fr. Burchell McPherson". St. Joseph's Catholic Church Falmouth. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  4. ^ a b "Press Release: Death of Bishop Burchell McPherson". Antilles Episcopal Conference. Retrieved 26 March 2026.
  5. ^ "Rinunce e Nomine, 16.10.2023". Holy See Press Office (in Italian). 16 October 2023. Retrieved 26 March 2026.