‘I am delighted today with the news that the Holy Father has appointed Father Paul Dempsey as Bishop of Achonry. It is just two years ago since I left Achonry after ten very happy years as bishop there, having been appointed to Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora. Since then the diocese has been in the very capable hands of Father Dermot Meehan as Administrator.
I have no doubt this announcement today will be welcomed with great joy by the people and priests of Achonry. Father Paul will find a deep sense of community amongst the priests and people in Achonry, and a ready willingness to work with him in furthering the vital mission entrusted to us all as God’s people. Father Paul has had wide-ranging and varied pastoral and other experiences in the Diocese of Kildare since he was first ordained. These experiences, along with his many personal qualities and qualifications, will have prepared him well for this new responsibility and mission as shepherd of God’s people in Achonry.
Personally, I want to congratulate Father Paul and to assure him of my prayers and any support I can give as he takes on this new role. I look forward very much to welcoming him to the West, and to working with him on the Bishops’ Conference and at our regular meetings of the Western Bishops’.
ENDS
• Bishop Brendan Kelly is Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora.
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