The Catholic Archbishop of Tuam and Killala has said that though weekly Mass attendances have “fallen considerably” and vocations have “declined dramatically”, faith continues to be important to “very many people” in Ireland.
Archbishop Francis Duffy described faith today as more complex, more questioning, more thoughtful and more personal.
He was speaking at St Muredach’s Cathedral, Ballina, Co Mayo as he was installed as bishop of Killala, joining the dioceses of Tuam and Killala under one bishop after over nine centuries as separate dioceses.
Since April 2024, the two dioceses have been working in greater cooperation towards union.
“We are living at a moment of opportunity. Structures and practices may change, but the mission remains constant,” Dr Duffy said on Sunday.
Addressing the congregation including fellow religious leaders and the Minister for Social Protection, Dara Calleary, Dr Duffy noted that for centuries Irish men and women went overseas as missionaries and did pastoral work in education and healthcare.
However, he said “not all was good or wholesome or right. Not everything was as it should have been”.
In a reference to Church abuse scandals, he said, “Many young people suffered, and years later, continue to suffer the effects of abuse perpetrated by clergy.
"We are grateful for those who spoke out about their terrible experiences, for the service of the media, for those who help bring healing and peace, and all those who now make our parishes safer places.”
The historic merger of the two west of Ireland dioceses under one bishop comes at a time when lay people are called to serve in various lay ministries, he said.
He highlighted a key initiative taken by the diocese of Killala in training and commissioning 80 lay leaders.
Describing it as important for the local church, he said it was the product of energetic and far-seeing organisers of the synodal pathway in Killala.
The initiative would be “an essential component of parish life into the future” and a legacy from this present generation to those that follow.
Another part of that legacy was to put structures like parish and diocesan pastoral councils as well as finance committees and youth ministry in place.
Through his listening to priests and people across the dioceses Dr Duffy said he found that people welcome the call to serve in various lay ministries and wish to find out more about them, but they also hope to have priests.
The Co Cavan native said young men continued to be call to the priesthood.
“The next generation of priests is already around us – your son, your grandson, your brother, your football teammate, your college classmate, your work colleague.”
Speaking on Vocations Sunday he added: “Part of our legacy-building is to help those whom the Lord is calling to hear and respond to the Shepherd’s voice.”