Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Ger Nash as Bishop of Ossory while he continues to serve as Bishop of Ferns, bringing the two dioceses together under the pastoral leadership of one bishop in a move known as persona episcopi.
The appointment follows Bishop Nash’s six-month period as Apostolic Administrator of Ossory after Bishop Niall Coll was appointed Bishop of Raphoe last November. The arrangement allows both dioceses to maintain their own identity while sharing the ministry and leadership of the same bishop.
Welcoming the announcement, Bishop Nash said he was “deeply honoured to have been asked by Pope Leo to become Bishop of Ossory in addition to my existing pastoral role in the Diocese of Ferns.”
He described the appointment as “simply the continuation of a journey”, saying discussions that began during his time as Apostolic Administrator had explored “the possibilities for what brings most hope for the future of the Church, in both Dioceses.”
Bishop Nash said the united leadership of Ossory and Ferns provides “an opportunity for us to do great things together” as both dioceses work “to create a community where our relationship with God will deepen and provide fertile soil for the preaching of the Gospel.”
Acknowledging the challenges involved in leading two dioceses, he said the arrangement reflects “the experience of many priests in modern Ireland as they take on responsibility for more than one parish.” He added that “the ultimate test for all change within the Church is whether it builds up the Kingdom of God.”
The bishop also highlighted the increasing role of lay people in the life of the Church, saying the current period of change provides “the opportunity…for real roles of responsibility and authority to be offered to lay people to build up the local Christian Community.” He said collaboration between the dioceses could also support vocations, noting that “some very good prospects for the Diocesan priesthood are emerging” and that “there are certainly green shoots visible.”
Archbishop Dermot Farrell, who served as Bishop of Ossory from 2018 to 2021, welcomed the appointment and said it comes at a time of significant change for Irish society and the Church.
He said the Church must find new ways to bring the Gospel to people today, describing the challenge as learning again “how to put flesh on the closeness and consolation of God among our friends and neighbours, and with our own children and grandchildren.”
Archbishop Farrell said Pope Leo XIV’s decision to appoint Bishop Nash would allow both dioceses to respond to these challenges while preserving their individual identities.
Bishop Niall Coll also congratulated Bishop Nash, saying his time as Apostolic Administrator had given him “a deep appreciation of the diocese, its people and its pastoral needs.”
He said Bishop Nash brings “a wealth of wisdom and pastoral experience” and praised his commitment to renewal, participation and vibrant parish communities.
Bishop Coll prayed that Bishop Nash’s ministry would help build “a Church founded on God’s love, a sign of unity, a missionary Church that opens its arms to the world.”