The Diocese of Ossory has a new bishop with the appointment of Bishop of Ferns Ger Nash, who will continue in his role while taking on a second diocese.
Bishop Nash said it was a great opportunity for both diocseses to do great things together.
“I am 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. From the earliest days of my appointment as Apostolic Administrator we began a consultation to explore the possibilities for what brings most hope for the future of the church, in both dioceses,” he said.
“This appointment is simply the continuation of a journey as the two dioceses will work together to create a community where our relationship with God will deepen and provide fertile soil for the preaching of the Gospel. This is an opportunity for us to do great things together. This amalgamation of dioceses has begun in the West of Ireland and will continue in the rest of our country as opportunity allows.
“The challenge of being one bishop for two dioceses is a mirror of the experience of many priests in modern Ireland as they take on responsibility for more than one parish. The re-imagining of roles and the re- organisation of familiar tasks is true whether it is for a parish or a Diocese and the ultimate test for all change within the Church is whether it builds up the Kingdom of God. One aspect of all the changes at parish and diocesan level within the Irish Church at the moment is the opportunity it offers for real roles of responsibility and authority to be offered to lay people to build up the local Christian community.”
9. Priests with Bishop Ger Nash: Willie Purcell, Paschal Moore, Michael Kelly, SJ Martin Delaney and Michael Ryan
HARRY REID
10. Organist Joy Bibby with Sr Bernie and Fr Tom Coyle
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11. Bishop Ger Nash with Eilis O'Shea, Joy Bibby and Fr Tom Coyle
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12. Fr Eddie Dowley, OFM Cap, with Bishop Nash
HARRY REID