Statement of Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin on the occasion of the Ordination of Bishop Niall Coll as Bishop of Ossory
Today the people, priests and religious of Ossory give thanks for the Ordination of Bishop Niall Coll, the 96th Bishop of Ossory. Having known Bishop Niall from our student days together in Maynooth, I am keenly aware of his immense capabilities, his deep faith and his great energy for all aspects of ministry. As a theologian his love of learning and his great appreciation of God revealed to us will ensure that he continues to guide the faithful of Ossory ever closer to the Lord. In assuming this responsibility Bishop Niall makes the move from his home in Donegal to his new home the south east of Ireland in this wonderful Diocese, following in many ways the path once travelled by Saint Canice. May he too energise and continue to encourage a people of great faith in this wonderful Diocese.
Ours is a time of great change in the Church; the faith that we know remains the same but its expression must now find new forms and new structures. In accepting the responsibility to lead Ossory in this, Bishop Niall can be assured that the good Lord, who called him to this ministry, will also support him as he undertakes it.
Having served as Apostolic Administrator of Ossory since February 2021, I have seen at first hand the wonderful life of this Diocese, the commitment of the lay faithful, religious and priests here to following in the footsteps of the Lord. The Church in Ossory is alive with the faith. Bishop Niall is sure to find here a great welcome and all the supports necessary to continue to lead the mission of the Church in Ossory. I look forward to accompanying him on that now synodal journey as a neighbouring Bishop and friend.
May Saint Canice support him, may Saint Kieran guide him and may
Saint Fergal bring him the assurance of God’s presence and blessing in
his new ministry as shepherd of Ossory.