I have known Bishop Christy Jones since the early 1970s when he taught me in Summerhill College, Sligo. Bishop Jones was vocations director when I entered the seminary and, today, as the Holy Father Pope Francis appoints his successor Father Kevin Doran as the new Bishop of Elphin, I commend Bishop Jones’ great service of over fifty years and more to the diocese and to the town of Sligo. As a parish priest, as founding director of Sligo social services, and as bishop, he has been an innovative and inspiring pastoral leader. Above all I remember his care and love of being amongst his people, and in particular his compassion for people in need, as well as his great desire to nourish the faith of all in the diocese. I wish Bishop Christy every blessing, health and happiness for his retirement.
I welcome the appointment of Bishop-elect Doran as the successor to Bishop Jones, and I pray God’s blessing on his ministry as Bishop of Elphin.
ENDS
- Bishop Raymond Browne is Bishop of Kerry and was a priest of the Diocese of Elphin from July 1982 until his appointment as bishop by Pope Francis in May 2013.
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