Archbishop Eamon Martin, who is currently attending the Synod of Bishops in Rome on youth, faith and vocation discernment, has issued the following statement on the news of the death today of the late Bishop Laurence Forristal, Bishop Emeritus of Ossory:
“I was saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Laurence Forristal, Bishop Emeritus of Ossory.
“I wish to acknowledge the great contribution made by Bishop Forristal as a member of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference over his 26 years of service as Bishop of Ossory. In particular I wish to salute his role as chairman of the Commission for Clergy, Seminaries and the Permanent Diaconate and for his notable work in child safeguarding which included the 1996 publication of Child Sexual Abuse: Framework for a Church Response.
“Though I did not serve on the Bishops’ Conference at the same time as Bishop Forristal, he was well known as a humorous, gentle and wise pastor and as a caring and generous man. He possessed a love of humanity and for creation as well as a prodigious work rate.
“At this sad time for Bishop Forristal’s family, friends and brother clergy, I invite all to pray for the happy repose of his soul. I also remember, in a particular way, the faithful of the dioceses of Dublin and Ossory.
“Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dilis.”
ENDS
- Bishop Laurence Forristal RIP was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Ossory in 1955. He served as Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin in 1980 before being installed as Bishop of Ossory in 1981 where he served until 2007.
- Archbishop Eamon Martin is Archbishop of Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
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