Statement of Archbishop Dermot Clifford on the Appointment of Fr Raymond A. Browne as Bishop of Kerry

02 May 2013

Statement of Archbishop Dermot Clifford on the Appointment of Very Rev. Raymond A. Browne as Bishop of Kerry

I warmly congratulate Fr. Raymond A. Browne on his appointment as Bishop of Kerry.  In this Year of Faith, it would seem that Bishops are being called to leave their country and kindred and their Father’s house for a far off land as Abraham, our father in faith, was once called by God.

The new Bishop of Rome came all the way for Buenos Aires so the new Bishop of Kerry has a shorter journey from Rooskey to Killarney.

I know him to be a man of many accomplishments with administrative and pastoral experience in the Diocese of Elphin. He is held in the highest regard by the priests and people there.  While it will be a challenge for him to fill the very popular Bishop Bill Murphy’s shoes, I have no doubt that he will bring his own personal style and pastoral skills to bear in these difficult times for the Catholic Church everywhere.

I am confident that the good people of the Diocese, priests, religious and faithful, will give him a warm welcome and I wish him many years of service in the Lord’s vineyard in which I had the privilege of serving as a priest myself in the past.

There is a long-standing friendship between the people of Kerry and the people of Roscommon born from their rivalry in Gaelic football down the years. We must not forget to include an important section of Co. Cork which is part of the Kerry Diocese and also a football stronghold. Elphin’s loss is Kerry’s gain!