Together with my fellow bishops I am saddened to learn of the death of our Episcopal colleague Bishop Martin Drennan. A quiet person by nature, Bishop Drennan was a deeply spiritual, devoted and generous priest and bishop, who was widely respected for his piety, humility, intelligence and strength of character. Throughout his ministry Bishop Drennan was held in affection by his students, parishioners, clergy and religious whom he sought to serve as priest, bishop and shepherd.
Bishop Drennan served as a member of the Irish Bishops’ Conference from 1997 until 2016, when he retired early due to ill health. During that time Bishop Drennan was a dedicated member of the Conference, committed and especially knowledgeable in the areas of liturgy, catechetics and doctrine. Drawing from his experience as a former professor of scripture, his grasp of the power of God’s Word brought a depth and richness to his contributions to the work of the Bishops’ Conference.
At this time of loss, I pray that Bishop Drennan’s brother Father Michael Drennan SJ, his other family members and loved ones, will find comfort in knowing that he was a good and faithful servant of the Gospel. I extend sympathy also to the parishioners and clergy in Galway and in his former diocese of Dublin. May God have mercy on his soul and may he rest in the peace of Christ whom he served with love and dedication. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam dílis.
ENDS
- Archbishop Eamon Martin is Archbishop is Armagh, Primate of All Ireland and President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
