St Mary’s Church in Athlone was packed to the rafters last Sunday as it hosted, for the first time, the ordination of a bishop.
Bishop Francis Duffy was formally ordained Bishop of the diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, following the retirement of Bishop Colm O’Reilly. The ceremony took place in St Mary’s Church as it is acting as the Pro-Cathedral for the diocese while St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford is being renovated, following a fire in 2009.
The new bishop, who hails from Cavan, was ordained by Cardinal Seán Brady, assisted by Bishop O’Reilly, Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Charles Brown, fellow bishops and clergy, family members, representatives of the 41 parishes of the diocese, as well as hundreds of well-wishers.
Fr Peter Burke, Parish Priest of Drumshanbo, Co Leitrim, gave the homily.
Speaking at the ceremony, the newly ordained Bishop Duffy made reference to the recent incident involving two young girls in Athlone, saying he shared the country’s “shock and revulsion”.
“My prayer today is for the young victims, their families, and local communities,” he said.
Bishop Brady comes from the parish of Templeport, Co Cavan, and has been a priest in the Kilmore diocese for over 30 years. He taught in St Patrick’s College, Cavan for 11 years, and was principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim for 12 years.
In 2008 he was appointed diocesan secretary and chancellor, with the additional responsibilities of financial administrator, communications officer, and archivist. Since 2009 he has been resident priest in the parish of Laragh, Co Cavan.
