A FAREWELL service for the Bishop of Monmouth will take place in Abergavenny.

Bishop Richard Pain announced his retirement last month, citing ill health.

The service will take place at The Priory Centre, St Mary's Church, in Abergavenny, on Sunday, July 7.

Father Mark Soady said: "It is an honour to host Bishop Richard's Farewell Eucharist on his retirement as we did for Bishop Dominic's before him.

"He was a much loved Bishop."

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Parishioners previously spoke to the Argus four months ago with what they said were their serious concerns about what is going on within the diocese after Bishop Pain had not been working at Newport Cathedral since July 2018.

They claimed that staff members had raised grievances against him.

Some parishioners even revealed that they were planning to withhold parish shares until their concerns were answered.

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A spokeswoman for the Archbishop of Wales, John Davies, had previously said: "In recent weeks there has been speculation regarding the Bishop of Monmouth and about relationships within his senior team.

"The Archbishop of Wales is aware of these issues and remains actively engaged, with all parties, in a formal process of mediation which seeks to resolve them.

“For reasons of confidentiality, and out of respect for those concerned in the ongoing mediation process, it would be inappropriate to comment further at this time.

“We understand that many people are concerned and frustrated with the situation but we continue to ask for their patience until the matter is resolved.”

He served as Bishop of Monmouth from 2013-2019.