PEOPLE are asking questions why Limerick is facing into a third Christmas without the guidance of a bishop, says Fr Pat Hogan, PP, Holy Family Parish, Southill.
Bishop Donal Murray resigned in December 2009.
He tendered his resignation to Pope Benedict XVI after a government inquiry strongly criticised his handling of a clerical paedophilia scandal.
Since then, Fr Tony Mullins has been in charge of diocesan affairs, but Catholics are asking why the Vatican has failed to make an appointment.
Said Fr Hogan: “It is a very strange situation that we still have no bishop”.
He added that the diocese and parishioners recognise that “there is a very capable man in charge - Tony Mullins is doing an excellent job holding everything together. It’s just that he doesn’t have the title”.
When asked if parishioners are commenting on the post not being filled, Fr Hogan replied: “They are saying, ‘are we not worthy’”.
With Advent about to begin, Fr Hogan said it would be helpful if Rome made an announcement “sooner rather than later”.
It had earlier been suggested that the Papal Nuncio had consulted widely throughout the diocese with priests and lay people, before making a recommendation to Rome.
At least four potential candidates were identified.