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Bishop Willie Walsh, Bishop Emeritus of Killaloe (Catholic Communications Office archive)
It is with sadness that I have learnt of the unexpected death of Bishop Willie Walsh, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Killaloe.
On behalf of the priests, religious and lay faithful of the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, together with Archbishop Emeritus, Dermot Clifford, I extend my sincere sympathy to Bishop Willie’s family, many friends, Bishop Fintan Monahan, the priests, religious and lay faithful of the diocese of Killaloe, on the death of their kind and generous shepherd.
Bishop Willie welcomed me as his successor in 2010 to the diocese of Killaloe. From the very beginning he was always warm, friendly and very supportive. I deeply appreciated his friendship.
Over my years in Ennis, I discovered him to be an exceptionally kind and generous pastor with special care for those at the margins of society. His life was characterised by a generosity of spirit that made him a unique shepherd – his kind and generous heart was key to his ministry. He never ceased to reach out to those most in need.
We thank the Lord for the years he shepherded the people of God in the diocese of Killaloe. He touched the lives of many people in a profound and deeply spiritual way recognising in each person the presence of the divine.
It is with a sense of gratitude for his life that we commend our brother, Bishop Willie, to our heavenly Father, may Bishop Willie hear the words of Matthew’s gospel, “Come, you who are blessed by my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world” (Matthew 24)
With trust in the Risen Lord, we pray for the happy repose of his gentle soul and commend him to our Father’s eternal love. Assuring Bishop Willie’s family of our prayerful remembrance at this time of sorrow and grief.
Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
ENDS
- Archbishop Kieran O’Reilly SMA is Archbishop of Cashel and Emly