Archbishop of Tuam Francis Duffy will now serve as Apostolic Administrator of Killala, in addition to his current role following the retirement of Bishop Fleming, who was Bishop of Killala since 2002.
Cllr Jarlath Munnelly told a meeting of Ballina Municipal District Council that a civic reception be held to mark the retirement of the last Bishop of Killala.
“We should have something for him if he is to be the last Bishop of Killala. It is a loss to us in north Mayo, we’ve lost of our identity with the loss of our bishop,”
Cllr Mark Duffy said it is particularly sad when you consider the long history of Killala Diocese, spanning over 900 years.
“It is sad, the end of an area in many ways when you consider that St Muredach was the founding Bishop and he was appointed by St Patrick.”
Municipal district administrator Carmel Murphy said council staff will look to arrange an event for the Bishop in the next few weeks.
In addition to the merging of Killala and Tuam, the Diocese of Achonry will now be administered by Bishop Kevin Doran of Elphin after Bishop Paul Dempsey was appointed as Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin.