Most Reverend Francis Duffy will be installed as Archbishop of Tuam in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, on Sunday next, January 9, during the celebration of Mass at 2.30 pm. He succeeds Archbishop Michael Neary who was appointed Archbishop of Tuam on 17 January 1995.
This will be a historic occasion for the people of the Archdiocese of Tuam and for Archbishop Francis himself. While it was hoped to celebrate the Installation with as many people as possible in attendance, and at the same time respecting the public health advice and the current official guidelines, this is now not possible due to the widespread circulation of the coronavirus in the community.
Archbishop Francis has decided to reduce the risk of his Installation becoming a potential spreader event, and to show his support for and solidarity with all who provide care for those suffering from Covid-19, all healthcare workers, and all work on the frontline in any capacity, the number of invited guests will be reduced to a minimum.
Therefore, Archbishop Francis asks those who have been invited not to attend in person but instead to watch the ceremony online, or to listen to the ceremony on Galway Bay FM or Midwest Radio. He regrets the need to take this decision, but he is confident that it will be received with appreciation and understanding.
The congregation in the Cathedral will now be limited to members of Archbishop Francis’ immediate family and a number of close friends, His Excellency Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Michael Neary and a small number of bishops including the bishops of dioceses in the Tuam Province (Achonry, Clonfert, Elphin, Galway and Killala ), members of the Tuam Council of Priests representing the clergy of the diocese, and members of the College of Consultors to whom the Holy Father’s letter of appointment must be shown.
The laity and religious living in the Archdiocese will be represented. Others assisting at the Liturgy will also be present.
Those wishing to watch the livestream may do so by using this link: https://www.tuamparish.com/web-cam
Francis Duffy was born on 21 April 1958 in the parish of Templeport, Co Cavan to parents Mary Catherine Dolan and Frank Duffy.
He attended primary school at Munlough National School, Bawnboy, and completed his post-primary education at Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan.
Francis studied for the priesthood at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth and was ordained a priest for the diocese of Kilmore on 20 June 1982 in Saint Mogue’s Church, Bawnboy, Co Cavan by Bishop Francis MacKiernan.
He taught at Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan, and was appointed principal of Fatima and Felim’s Secondary School, Ballinamore, Co Leitrim in 1996.
After twelve years as principal Father Francis was appointed Diocesan Secretary and Financial Administrator and Chancellor. During that time he was resident priest in the parish of Laragh, Co Cavan. On 17 July 2021 he was appointed Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois with his episcopal ordination taking place on 6 October 2013 at Saint Mary’s Church, Athlone.
As a member of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, Bishop Duffy is currently chair of the Council for Liturgy, a member of the Council for Education, as well as a member of the Commission for Worship, Pastoral Renewal and Faith Development.
