Yesterday we received the news from the Vatican that His Excellency
Archbishop Charles John Brown has completed his term as Apostolic Nuncio
to Ireland. I would like to take the opportunity to express my gratitude to him for his service to the Church in Ireland during his tenure here, and I wish him every blessing as he prepares to take up a new appointment as Apostolic Nuncio to Albania.
Archbishop Brown has deep roots in the Diocese of Killaloe with his ancestors hailing from the parishes of Killanena and Tubber.
The Nuncio has been a welcome visitor to us many times since taking up his appointment in January 2012.
His warm, friendly and open manner have won him many friends and admirers here in the Diocese of Killaloe.
He clearly loved coming to the diocese and was always willing to listen carefully and engage meaningfully with all those whom he met.
It is these same Irish roots that gave him a deep appreciation for the lived faith experience of the Irish people and it was a privilege for me to be accompany Archbishop Brown as a fellow pilgrim in Knock, and on pilgrimage to Croagh Patrick.
Appointed nuncio to Ireland by Pope Benedict XVI, Archbishop Brown came to Ireland at a challenging time in Church State relations and through his tireless efforts has done much to renew and strengthen relations between Ireland and the Holy See.
On a personal level I would like to thank Archbishop Brown for his kindness to me at the time of my appointment as Bishop of Killaloe last year.
His words of encouragement, support and advice certainly made it easier for me to respond positively to Pope Francis’ invitation to become Bishop of Killaloe.
Guím rath Dé ar a chuid oibre amach anseo.