The Bishop elect of the Diocese of Killaloe Fr Kieran O'Reilly (SMA) has said that he faces many challenges in his new ministry, in particular the challenge of meeting the pain of victims of clerical sexual abuse. Fr O'Reilly made his comments at a news conference in Ennis in County Clare where he was introduced to priests and members of the Diocesan Pastoral Council.
He said that they must now help victims in the enormous burden they carry and accompany them and help them in their suffering.
While he claims that he was surprised by his appointment Fr O'Reilly says that he was deeply honoured by the request to become the new Bishop of Killaloe and will undertake his duties in the spirit of service.
Fr O'Reilly has been the superior general of the Society of the African Missions for the past nine years and has worked most of his time in Africa and Rome.
He has been a member of the order since 1970.
He said that he is particularly interested in the areas of justice and peace and on helping those communities on the margins.
Fr O'Reilly will be installed as Bishop on Sunday August 29th, 2010.
SIC: CIN