Archbishop Eamon Martin welcomes the appointment of Father Alan McGuckian SJ as Bishop of Raphoe and pays tribute to Bishop Philip Boyce

09 Jun 2017

Archbishop Eamon Martin congratulated Father Alan McGuckian SJ on his appointment by Pope Francis as Bishop of Raphoe.  Archbishop Martin also expressed his gratitude to Bishop Philip Boyce OCD whose resignation as Bishop of Raphoe was accepted by Pope Francis.

Archbishop Martin said, “On the feast of Saint Columba I want to offer my sincere and prayerful congratulations to Father Alan McGuckian SJ whom Pope Francis has appointed as the new Bishop of Raphoe.  Father McGuckian’s background in education and communications, as well as his recent immersion in pastoral planning and development with the Diocese of Down and Connor, indicate just some of the rich experiences and gifts that he will bring to his new ministry.  I pray that Saint Columba and Saint Eunan will intercede for him as he takes up his new duties as bishop.

“I also want to pay warm tribute to Bishop Boyce.  Bishop Philip has been a hugely supportive and dedicated member of the Episcopal Conference since his ordination as Bishop of Raphoe in October 1995.  His fidelity to his roles at the Bishops’ Conference, in particular to his contributions at the Council for Clergy and the Council for Liturgy, reflected depth of thought, wisdom and selflessness.  On a personal level I have found Bishop Philip to be a prayerful and caring companion, especially when I was taking up my own episcopal responsibilities.  I have always sensed his Carmelite charisms of service, contemplation and fraternity.  For this generosity I wish to thank him and wish him every blessing in his new role as Bishop Emeritus.”

ENDS

  • Archbishop Eamon Martin is Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.                                                        

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