Limerick priest elected as Superior for the Peru Region of the St James Society

11 Nov 2008

PRESS RELEASE
11 November 2008

Limerick priest elected as Superior for the Peru Region of the St James Society

Father David Costello (38) of the Diocese of Limerick has been elected Coordinator/Superior for the Peru Region of the St James Society for a period of three years. Fr Costello has been working in Peru for the past five years. Fr Costello, from Corbally, Limerick, was ordained in 1995.

Bishop Donal Murray, the Bishop of Limerick, sent his congratulations to Fr David as he undertakes this new responsibility. Bishop Murray said, “I offer Fr David my prayerful support in his new role as Coordinator/Superior of The Missionary Society of St James the Apostle.

“Fr David Costello’s pastoral work, while challenging, benefits many. Two years ago he was asked by the local bishop, Bishop Norbert Strotmann, to establish the parish of El Resucitado on the outskirts of Lima. His success is a testament to his ability to actively live the mission of the Gospel. The confidence it instils in others has resulted in his election, by his fellow priests, as the new Coordinator/Superior with overall responsibility for the Society’s administration and missionary work in Peru. May God bless him in his new leadership role.”

ENDS

Notes for Editors

  • The parish of El Resucitado is located in a large sprawling shanty-town on the outskirts of Lima, Peru.
  • The Missionary Society of St James the Apostle was founded in 1958 by Cardinal Richard Cushing of Boston. The Society offers diocesan priests from English-speaking countries the opportunity to work on mission in the poor, developing countries of Latin America.
  • The Society currently has 40 priests working in three countries: Peru, Ecuador and Bolivia. Priests join the Society for a period of five years during which they remain incardinated in their home/sending dioceses. Currently, there are members from Ireland, England, Scotland, North America, the Philippines and Australia.
  • In Peru, the Society has priests working in six dioceses. In the High Andes, on the southern coast, and in various “barrio” areas around Lima. These missionary priests are committed to evangelisation, catechesis, pastoral care and social outreach so as contribute to the building up of the local church.

Further information:
Martin Long, Director of Communications (086 172 7678)
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer (087 233 7797)