Michael Evans

Michael Charles Evans (10 August 1951 – 11 July 2011) was the third Roman Catholic Bishop of East Anglia, in the Ecclesiastical Province of Westminster.

Biography Ordained as a priest at Southwark on 22 June 1975, Michael Evans spent some time as an assistant priest, then studied for a Master of Theology degree at the University of London for four years (1975–1979) subsequently returning to St. John's Seminary, Wonersh, near Guildford for eight years as lecturer in Doctrine. During his time within the Roman Catholic Church, he held many posts, ranging from the chaplain of a convent school to chairman of the Archdiocese of Southwark's Justice and Peace Coordinating Committee. From 1995 until 2003, he served as Parish Priest at St. Augustine's church in Tunbridge Wells.

On 14 February 2003 Pope John Paul II appointed Evans as the third Bishop of East Anglia. succeeding Peter Smith, now Archbishop of Southwark; he was consecrated at the Cathedral Church of St John the Baptist, Norwich, on 19 March 2003.

On his appointment as the new bishop, Evans said: "I was astonished to be appointed as Bishop of East Anglia, and have a real sense of my unworthiness for this responsibility, but I accepted this new ministry with a joyful though nervous 'yes'. I look forward to getting to know the diocesan family of East Anglia, and to working with my brother priests and deacons as a team dedicated to the ministry of Christ. As I prepare for my ordination, I ask everyone to keep me in their prayers."

Illness In November 2006, Bishops Evans announced through the East Anglia Diocesan office in Norwich that he was suffering from prostate cancer and undergoing radiotherapy to treat the condition. He said he had been helped through his illness by the radiotherapy team at the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital, support from the community and his faith in God.

The statement was issued to all Catholics in the East Anglia Diocese and received by all those who attended masses across the whole of the Eastern Region of England. Bishop Michael concluded the statement as follows: "As I live now under the shadow of death, my prayer is very much that of St. Paul that I may know something of the power of Christ's resurrection and a share in his sufferings, trusting that the Lord is with me. I pray that even now, I can joyfully witness something of the good news we are all called to proclaim."

Death Evans died in the Norfolk and Norwich University Hospital at 7:10 pm on 11 July 2011, aged 59, of prostate cancer. His body was cremated following a traditional funeral Mass and his ashes were interred in the St John the Baptist Cathedral, Norwich. Evans was the first English Catholic bishop to choose to have his body cremated after his death.