Bishop Michael Router has been installed as the new Bishop of Derry today.
The native of Virginia, Co Cavan was installed at today's Mass in Saint Eugene's Cathedral, where Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh lead the ceremony.
Amongst the congregation numbering approximately 850 people were primary school students from the Templeport parish, as representative sof Cavan. They joined secondary school students from throughout the diocese of Derry and Raphoe in a guard of honour for Bishop Router.
In his homily, Bishop Michael Router said he felt "enormously grateful to God" for bringing him to the Diocese of Derry.
"I come to this diocese knowing that I have much to learn. So perhaps the best place for a new bishop to begin is not by talking too much, but by listening," striking a humble note. He recalled holding two separate meetings in Derry in recent weeks; one with the clergy, and one with lay people who are closely involved in the life of the diocese.
"One question I asked both groups during the meetings was, 'What would they consider to be the positive, life-giving, aspects of this diocese that have sustained, nourished and inspired them over the years?' I am delighted to say that their answers have encouraged me enormously.
"According to the responses, the most positive aspect of our diocese was the continuing faith of the people. Both the clergy and the laity identified a spiritual depth in the local Church. The clergy repeatedly refer to the goodness, welcome and support of parishioners, and the laity spoke warmly of priests who are dedicated, available and involved in community life. It is evident that the Church here is experienced as a network of relationships rather than simply an institution. This suggests that one of the diocese’s greatest assets is the mutual affection and trust that still exists between many priests and their people.
"I would like to expressly thank Bishop Donal McKeown for his pastoral care of the diocese which has ensured that such a culture of love and respect is flourishing amongst the faith community in Derry today.
"Both the priests and lay people in their respective groups recognised a strong resilience in the face of difficulties. Church scandals and the changing patterns of practice are prominently mentioned, yet all speak of “pockets of hope” and a “strong foundation to build upon”. The common picture is that of a diocese whose spiritual life is sustained not only by formal liturgy but by a broad culture of popular prayer and devotion.
"Of course, there is a realistic awareness of decline and change, but also a conviction that considerable spiritual resources remain, and that the Diocese of Derry possesses a recognisable ecclesial culture and identity that will endure.
"Both the priests and the laity I listened to in the formal meetings and in casual encounters, valued inherited traditions but they also recognise the need for renewal, for new approaches that speak to people immersed in a modern culture so completely different from anything experienced before in history. Much of what emerged from these brief consultations are the foundations upon which a future pastoral strategy can realistically be built."
Bishop Router concluded:
"As your bishop, I look forward to working alongside you to welcome people into the vineyard of the Lord so that our parishes become places where His mercy can be encountered, where people are welcomed before they are judged and where those who have drifted away from the Church know that the door remains open. We pray that Jesus will give us the courage to keep saying 'yes' to His invitation and the confidence to help others do the same."