Statement of Archbishop Francis Duffy, Archbishop of Tuam and Apostolic Administrator of Killala
I warmly welcome the announcement today of Pope Francis’ decision to appoint Bishop Kevin Doran as Bishop of Achonry, in addition to his current responsibilities as Bishop of Elphin.
When the Holy See announced last April that a gradual process of reorganisation of dioceses was envisaged, it did so in an effort to meet the evolving needs of the dioceses in the west of Ireland, specifically in the ecclesiastical province of Tuam.
Bishop Kevin was entrusted with the pastoral care of the Diocese of Achonry at that time with the understanding that, after careful assessment and further consultation, the time may come when the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin would be governed by one Bishop.
It is a testament to the proactive way Bishop Kevin has engaged with the vision put forth by the Holy See, and to the way he has diligently gathered and listened to the faithful in the Diocese of Achonry particularly – laity, religious, and clergy – and reported on these consultations to the Holy See, that the Holy Father has determined that this is the right moment to appoint Bishop Doran as the new Bishop of Achonry, and, at the same time, to unite the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin in persona episcopi – in the person of the Bishop.
This positive development allows both dioceses to preserve their individual identities while having the same Bishop.
It also allows for consultative bodies, such as the Achonry Council of Priests, to be established and vacant offices – such as that of Vicar General – to be filled.
I wish to congratulate Bishop Kevin on his appointment today, and I pray that God will bless all his endeavours as he attends to the governance and pastoral care of the faithful in the Diocese of Achonry.