The appointment of a new Bishop for the diocese of Kildare and
Leighlin is not expected until the New Year, a diocesan spokesperson has
confirmed.
The diocese which includes much of Counties Kildare, Carlow, Laois
and parts of County Kilkenny has been without a Bishop since December 23
2009 when Bishop Jim Moriarity announced his resignation, accepted by
Pope Benedict four months later.
As with the Limerick diocese, in the absence of a Bishop, the diocese
is been run by a diocesan administrator with the current parish priest
of Tullow, Monsignor Brendan Bryne, currently holding the
role.
Speaking this week the diocesan spokesperson for the Diocese of
Kildare and Leighlin, Fr Michael Murphy, said, “The process of
appointing a successor to Bishop Jim Moriarity is currently with the
Vatican. The Papal Nuncio is in constant communication with the people
and senior officials of the dioceses."
“We are currently awaiting news of an appointment from the Vatican,
but it is unlikely that any announcement will be made before Christmas.
I'd say now we are looking at the New Year before an announcement will
be made.”
Fr Murphy also confirmed that Bishop Moriarity is carrying out
pastoral duties in Clontarf in Dublin and that Monsignor Brendan Bryne
would continue as diocesan administrator until a successor to Bishop
Moriarity is appointed.
SIC: CIN/IE