Statement from Bishop Séamus Hegarty, Bishop of Derry, on the retirement of Bishop Francis Lagan as Auxiliary Bishop of Derry

06 May 2010

PRESS RELEASE
6 May 2010

Statement from Bishop Séamus Hegarty, Bishop of Derry, on the retirement of Bishop Francis Lagan as Auxiliary Bishop of Derry

As required by Church law, Bishop Francis Lagan offered the Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI, his resignation as Auxiliary Bishop of Derry, on his seventy-fifth birthday which was 31 October 2009.  At 11.00am today, Thursday 6th May 2010, the Holy Father accepted his resignation, effective immediately.  

I take this opportunity to thank Bishop Lagan for his generous service in the Diocese of Derry, as priest and bishop, and to express my own deep appreciation of the years we have served together as bishops in this diocese.  On a personal level, while recognising that Bishop Lagan has followed proper protocols on reaching seventy-five, I will miss his wisdom, his knowledge of the diocese and above all his personal friendship, his commitment and generosity.

I wish Bishop Lagan many happy and fulfilled years in retirement.

Further information:
Fr. Michael Canny, Diocesan Media Liaison Spokesperson, (028) 712 62894
Ms Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer (087) 310 4444