A MONMOUTHSHIRE vicar has been appointed as the new area dean of Abergavenny.

Father Mark Soady, vicar of St Mary’s Church, Abergavenny, and rector of Llanwenarth Citra, was appointed to the role by the Bishop of Monmouth, the Rt Revd Richard Pain.

Fr Mark will have a pastoral responsibility for the clergy who serve in the deanery, which covers Abergavenny and the rural area around it. He will be the bishop’s representative in practical and administrative matters affecting the parishes in this area of the diocese.

The Rt Revd Richard Pain, said: "The role of the area dean is mainly a pastoral one and, as parishes are reorganised into ministry areas, it is clear that area deans will play an important part in the process of transition. I know Fr Mark will assume this role with professionalism and aplomb.”

Fr Mark said: “I see the role as one of being a servant to the Servants of Christ — as a pastor to those in licensed ministry in the deanery.”

The Reverend Mark Soady is Vicar of Abergavenny and Rector of Llanwenarth Citra. He served as Minor Canon of St Woolos Cathedral, with special responsibility for Liturgy from 2003 to 2008, and is currently Hon Minor Canon.

He previously served in the Rectorial Benefice of Tenby, as Curate and as Team Vicar. He was also a member of the Governing Body of the Church in Wales, was the first Chaplain of Newport’s University and is an Honorary Fellow of the University of South Wales. He served in the Royal Army Chaplain’s Department from 1998-2012 and is chairman of trustees of the Welsh Warrior: Richard Hunt Foundation, which carers for veterans.