Cardinal Séan Brady welcomes Pope Francis’ appointment of Father Kevin Doran as Bishop of Elphin

14 May 2014

I warmly congratulate Father Kevin Doran on his appointment today by the Holy Father Pope Francis as Bishop of Elphin in succession to Bishop Christopher Jones.   I wish Bishop-elect Doran all God’s blessings as he begins a new and challenging chapter as chief shepherd of the people of God in the Diocese of Elphin.  Having worked closely with him in the Pontifical Irish College, Rome, where he served as Spiritual Director,  I am confident Bishop-elect Kevin has the qualities needed to nurture the faith of those entrusted to his pastoral care.

Bishop-elect Kevin’s successful preparation, management, and celebration of Ireland’s week-long hosting of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, attended by about 150,000 pilgrims in Dublin in June 2012, will have helped to equip him for his new ministry.  His advocacy and championing of the right to life of the unborn child, and his work in promoting vocations to the priesthood, are but two of the many talents and gifts which Bishop-elect Kevin has shared during his priestly ministry for the good of the Church and of our society.  As their new bishop, I know that he will receive all the necessary support, cooperation and be received enthusiastically by the laity, religious, priests of the historic Diocese of Elphin.

Bishop Jones has selflessly served the people of the Diocese of Elphin since 1994, and will be greatly missed by all.   His ministry has been marked by his profound faith in Jesus Christ and in the love and compassion of God for saint and sinner alike.  Bishop Jones has given sterling service to the work of the Irish Episcopal Conference I will miss, in particular, his wisdom, experience and friendship at Conference meetings.  At this time I wish to extend my thanks and prayerful good wishes to Bishop Christy for a long and healthy retirement – it is well deserved.

ENDS

  • Cardinal Séan Brady is Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland                                               

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