Statement of Cardinal Brady on the retirement of Bishop William Lee

Following the announcement today by Bishop William Lee that he is to retire due to ill health, Cardinal Seán Brady, President of the Irish Episcopal Conference has issued the following statement:

“I understand the decision by Bishop William Lee to retire due to ill health and I am pleased for Bishop Lee’s own sake and for his health. But, on a personal level, I do genuinely regret his retirement – his warmth, wisdom and compassion will be missed, especially at meetings of the Bishops’ Conference.

“Bishop Lee served his diocese and the Irish Episcopal Conference faithfully since his ordination as Bishop of Waterford and Lismore just over 20 years ago in July 1993. He served as Secretary to the Irish Episcopal Conference for 15 years from 1998 until this Summer and I want to acknowledge his loyal, faithful and outstanding support of the work of the Conference during that time.

“I look forward to Bishop Lee’s friendship in the coming years and I ask you to remember him in your prayers at this time. I wish him good health, a happy retirement and God’s blessing now and always.”