"A warm friendship" - tributes paid to Bishop Niall Coll as he departs Kilkenny
Bishop Coll, a native of St Johnston, was appointed to the role by Pope Leo XIV and the announcement was confirmed at St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny this week by Diocesan Administrator Monsignor Kevin Gillespie
Bishop Niall Coll will return to Donegal as the new Bishop of Raphoe with tributes coming from figures both inside and outside the catholic church.
Amongst them, Bishop Adrian Wilkinson reflected fondly on their 'warm friendship'.
Bishop Coll was appointed to the role by Pope Leo XIV and the announcement was confirmed at St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny this morning by Diocesan Administrator Monsignor Kevin Gillespie while Bishop Philip Boyce, Bishop Emeritus of Raphoe, was also in attendance.
A son of Kathleen and the late Willie Coll from Hillhead in St Johnston, the 62-year-old will now lead The See Of Raphoe. - READ MORE HERE
Bishop Wilkinson offered his congratulations to Bishop Niall Coll on his appointment to the next position.
"As near neighbours, we immediately struck up a warm friendship," he said.
"Bishop Niall combines the gifts of a pastor, academic and educator with his commitment to ecumenism. While those of us in Kilkenny will be sorry to see him leave, we wish him God’s blessing as he moves to take up episcopal responsibilities in his native diocese and serve the people of Donegal," Wilkinson added.