The Bishop of Elphin Dr Christopher Jones has said that he is looking forward to retirement in 2011.
Bishop Jones confirmed that he will reach 75 years of age on March 3
next year and under Vatican rules he must offer his resignation to the
Pope.
A native of County Roscommon, and ordained a priest in 1962, Bishop
Jones was appointed to his current post in 1994, succeeding the late
Bishop Dominic Conway.
Speaking this week he confirmed, “I will be submitting my resignation
in March and it is only a matter of time before it is accepted by the
Holy Father. It is likely to be accepted within a year at the latest.”
“After almost 50 years in the priesthood I am looking forward to
taking it a bit easier and looking after my own soul for a while and
preparing myself for the Lord, please God.”
He said that you know it is time to retire when you see fellows that you taught retiring.
After retirement, Bishop Jones hopes to be attached to a parish where
he will be able to say mass every day.
He also said that he would have
no problem in filling in his free time as he loves reading, listening
to both Irish and classical music, as well as playing his beloved golf.
SIC: CIN/IE