In a message ahead of the this afternoon’s events in St. Nathy’s Cathedral, Bishop Doran, who also remains Bishop of Elphin, reassured the people that each diocese would still retains its own unique identity.
However, he again signalled that gradually over the coming years, “while respecting the culture and the history and the unique gifts of each, our two dioceses of Achonry and Elphin will become one diocese”.
Before he renewed his commitment to serve the people of two dioceses, he asked for “your prayers and your practical support in being the Bishop I am called to be".
The celebration of Mass for his Episcopal Installation will take place at 3 p.m..
His Excellency, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Francis Duffy and Bishop Michael Duignan, will be the principal concelebrants.
Attendance will include members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, both serving and retired, clergy of the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, and family members and friends of Bishop Doran. Every parish in the Diocese of Achonry will have representatives present. There will be representatives from Catholic schools and various diocesan bodies and organisations in the Diocese of Achonry.
Staff and representatives from the Diocese of Elphin will be in attendance and representatives of the Church of Ireland communities will also be present.
The cathedral’s senior choir, and the cathedral’s folk group, will perform the music throughout the liturgy.
Master of Ceremonies will be Father Martin Henry.