Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin and Apostolic Administrator of Achonry (Catholic Communications Office archive)
- Pastoral Message of Bishop Kevin Doran to the Faithful of the Diocese of Achonry and the Diocese of Elphin
Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,
It is just over six months now since the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, made known to us the decision of Pope Francis to initiate a process of closer cooperation and consultation, which is intended to lead eventually to the merging of our two neighbouring dioceses of Achonry and Elphin. A similar process was proposed at the same time for the dioceses of Tuam and Killala.
I am aware that this decision, coming when it did, left many people in the Diocese of Achonry feeling shocked and disappointed. It was difficult for the diocese to lose a young and energetic Bishop. Following discussions which had taken place over a number of years, I expected that there would be some reconfiguration of the six dioceses of the Province of Tuam[1]. My own appointment as Apostolic Administrator of Achonry took me by surprise. Since I took over responsibility for the Diocese, I have been greatly encouraged by the warm welcome and support that I have received from so many people. To date, I have visited two thirds of the parishes, and I look forward to continuing those visits in the weeks and months ahead.
Why is this Happening?
People have asked me “why is this happening?” The merging of dioceses is not new and it is not unique to Ireland. It is not easy, in a small diocese, especially with lower levels of religious practice, to find the human and financial resources required to do all that is necessary for pastoral care and good governance. Both Achonry and Elphin are small by the standards of the Church around the world. The hope is that, with our combined resources, we will be able to exercise our mission more effectively.
As the Apostolic Nuncio said, when announcing the proposed changes:
“We know from personal experience that life is a process of adaptation to changing circumstances. Although we seek to preserve at all times our essential identity, we adopt measures to meet new challenges as they arise. That is true also of the life of the Church and it is reflected in what we are doing today. To meet the evolving needs of the Church in the ecclesiastical Province of Tuam, it is necessary to envisage a gradual process of reorganisation, which will, it is hoped, give added impetus and vitality to the communities concerned.”
What Has Happened So Far?
In the period since April 2024, various consultations have taken place, including the six gatherings that took place in recent weeks. Some initial decisions have been made, reflecting what has been heard. It has been agreed, for example, that:
- the two dioceses will join together for the Pilgrimages to Lourdes and Knock, as well as for young-adult pilgrimages
- the two dioceses will work more closely together for the formation of lay ministers and Parish Pastoral Councils
- we will plan together for the activities of our youth and young-adult ministry
- we will establish a working group, drawn equally from both dioceses to consider what other actions might be necessary to allow us to work more effectively together and, if the process evolves further, to eventually become one diocese
Some people have understandably asked very practical questions such as: “What will the Diocese be called?”, “Where will the Cathedral be?” and “Where will the Bishop live?. These questions have not yet been considered in any detail. I can say, however, that in many cases where dioceses have merged, both cathedrals have equal status. These are known as “co-cathedrals”.
One Body in Christ
Because of our shared Baptism, and our sharing of the Eucharist, before ever the question of a merger arose, we are – as Saint Paul reminds us – “one Body in Christ”. Our dignity as Christian communities has nothing to do with our relative size. We are pilgrims on a journey and our mission is to support one another and to welcome the stranger.
In recent weeks, we have been blessed to have six gatherings, in which approximately five hundred people participated, from both dioceses. I am very grateful to all those who participated and to those who facilitated the gatherings. We promised those who came to the gatherings that we would make available a summary of all that was said. This report has now been prepared by a group of seven people from both dioceses, and I am happy to present it to you now. I hope it will be widely discussed at Parish gatherings and in family homes. This is just a beginning.
Prayer – Entrusting this Process to the Holy Spirit
Each of us has different gifts to bring, but all of us can pray. It is important that we bring this process to prayer, asking the Holy Spirit for guidance and help. In that way we can be sure that we will make the decisions that God wants. We have prepared a prayer for our two dioceses, which is available on a separate card and online. I encourage you to pray this prayer, whether on your own or in the community of the Church.
With every blessing and thanks for your support.
The summary of feeback from gatherings held in Autumn 2024 in the diocese of Achonry and the diocese of Elphin can be found at achonrydiocese.org and elphindiocese.ie
ENDS
- Bishop Kevin Doran is Bishop of Elphin and Apostolic Administrator of Achonry
