Pope appoints new Bishop of Achonry
HIS Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Kevin Doran as Bishop of Achonry, while also serving as Bishop of Elphin.
The announcement was delivered by Very Reverend Vincent Sherlock, Chancellor of the Diocese of Achonry, in the Cathedral of the Annunciation and Saint Nathy, Ballaghaderreen, today. At the same time the appointment was also being announced in Rome.
Since April 2024, Bishop Kevin has been Apostolic Administrator of Achonry, which is a temporary care-taker appointment.
When the official decree (known as The Bull) comes from Rome in a few weeks time, Bishop Kevin will present it to the Diocesan College of Consultors. A Liturgy of Installation will then be celebrated in the cathedral, on a date which has yet to be confirmed within the next two months.
The announcement see the two dioceses joined 'in persona episcopi' - 'in the person of the Bishop'. This follows on from the announcement by the Papal Nuncio last year regarding a 'gradual process of reorganisation' in the Province of Tuam.
Each diocese still retains is own unique identity, but gradually, over the next few years, while respecting the culture and the history and the unique gifts of each, the two dioceses will become one diocese.
In his address, Bishop Doran said it was clear from the consultations which took place in September and October last year that there was a willingness to move towards the eventual union of the two dioceses.
In recent weeks, he has asked 10 people, five from each diocese, to join an implementation group to help identify the steps to be taken over the next couple of years to bring the two together 'in a way which respects the unique culture of each, but will also sow the seeds of renewal so that we can go into the future as one diocese strong in faith and in mission'.
Bishop Doran was born in Dublin in 1953 and ordained a priest of the Archdiocese of Dublin in July 1977. He was appointed Bishop of Elphin in April 2014.
Bishop Doran currently serves as chairperson of the Council for Life, and the Committee for Theology of the the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference. He is also a member of the Council for Justice and Peace.