RICHARD Pain said he will never forget his birthday after he was consecrated as the tenth Bishop of Monmouth on the same day.

Richard Pain, 57, was consecrated by the Archbishop of Wales, Dr Barry Morgan, the former Archbishop of Canterbury Rowan Williams, and ten other serving and retired bishops at a packed service at Llandaff Cathedral in Cardiff on Saturday.

The former Archdeacon of Monmouth for the past five years, said: “A lot of people said you will never forget your birthday now. It was a total co-incidence. The date for the service was arranged a long time ago as it is St Matthew’s Day.”

“It was a lovely occasion to see so many people, including those from my previous parishes, and to have my family there.”

“I felt a great sense of love and support on what was a very special day.”

He added: “Normally when an ordination takes place there are several there at a time. It is not common to have just one.”

Mr Pain said his job is slightly different from other jobs because he was elected the Bishop by 47 members of the electoral college of the Church in Wales at Newport Cathedral.

The following day Mr Pain was back at work on his pen-ultimate Sunday as priest of Mamhilad Church, near Pontypool, where he took three Baptisms’ and will hold his last service on Sunday.

Mr Pain began his role earlier this month and said it is both ‘humbling and fulfilling.’

One of the first things he plans to do is to spend time with his team reflecting on the next stage of the ministry.

He said: “I want to be around and about the diocese for people to see me and to be involved in what the clergy is doing.”

“I hope that we can build up the church. A lot of people feel we have reached a point where we have to look forward in a positive light and celebrate the values we share with others. I want people in the churches to celebrate their Christian life and to give thought to spiritual values.

“Most people have some sort of spiritual awareness but they often do not share it.”

“I will still be taking services and ordaining clery, carrying out confirmations and baptisms

His election in July followed the retirement of Dominic Walker, who served as Bishop of Monmouth for ten years until he retired at the end of June.

As Archdeacon of Monmouth, The Ven Pain he was one of the most senior clergy in the diocese. Prior to being appointed Archdeacon, he was Vicar in Monmouth for ten years and also served as a vicar in Risca, Six Bells and Cwmtillery and as a curate in Caldicot.

Mr Pain graduated from Bristol University and University of Wales, Cardiff, and trained for ministry at St Michael’s College, Llandaff.

He has been warden of Ordinands for Monmouth Diocese and is chairman of the provincial selection board.

A keen supporter of the ministry of woman as bishops, he is also a member of the Church’s governing body.

Mr Pain has a wife, Julie, and the couple have two sons, Jonathan, 29, and Christopher, 26.

He will be enthroned at Newport Cathedral on October 18.