Following the appointment today by the Holy Father Pope Francis of Monsignor Dermot Farrell as the new Bishop of Ossory, Archbishop Eamon Martin has published the following statement:
“I warmly welcome the appointment today by Pope Francis of Monsignor Dermot Farrell as Bishop of Ossory. Today marks a significant new step in his vocational journey and he will be encouraged by the prayerful support of his family, friends and faithful, especially in the diocese of Ossory and in his home diocese of Meath. Bishop-elect Farrell has already shown great commitment to his priestly calling in a variety of pastoral settings. He has developed gifts and skills which, with the help of God’s grace, will enrich his service to the people, priests and religious in his new diocese. His theological expertise as well as his wide experience of administration, pastoral ministry and seminary Formation will also benefit our discussions at the episcopal conference as we consider how to best serve the present and future needs of the Church in Ireland. I look forward to working with him and wish him wisdom and every blessing.
“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Monsignor Michael Ryan for his dedication to the role of Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory since the retirement of Bishop Seamus Freeman in 2016 due to ill health.
“My thoughts and prayers are also with Bishop Seamus Freeman today, and with Bishop Laurence Forristal, who retired as Bishop of Ossory in 2007. I assure them both of my prayers for continued strength and good health in retirement.”
ENDS
- Archbishop Eamon Martin is Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
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