Statement by Bishop Donal McKeown at Saint Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry
It is my privilege this morning to announce to the people of the Diocese of Derry that the Holy Father Pope Leo XIV has appointed Bishop Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh as the new Bishop of Derry. I warmly welcome Bishop Router to the diocese, on this bright and sunny July morning.
I remember standing in this cathedral and being introduced in February 2014 as the successor to Bishop Seamus Hegarty. Taking on a new task can be a daunting experience, but, as a man of prayer following a divine calling, your motto reminds us that it is done with the inspiration ‘into your hands, O Lord, I commend my spirit’. And I can assure you of a very hearty welcome from the laity, Religious and clergy of this diocese, as well as wider civic society. There is a long-standing tradition here of the churches being seen as valuable partners in civic society – and of great collaboration between the various religious traditions in the area.
Bishop Router, you bring great experience and wisdom to this new task in the Diocese of Derry.
- As a Cavan man, you grew up with the experience of life in a Border County and for the last seven years you have ministered in a cross-border diocese.
- Your priesthood began as a Curate in a parish – the place where the heart of diocesan priestly ministry is to be found. Parish ministry has remained an important part of your priesthood.
- In addition, you have experience in education, as both a teacher and in support bodies for education. This has given you an appreciation of the vibrant contribution of education to building a hopeful future for young people.
- You have experience of diocesan administration, both in your native Kilmore Diocese and in the Archdiocese of Armagh.
- A key part of your pastoral outreach has been in the area of Adult Faith Formation and Pastoral Renewal. This is an urgent area of ongoing development in Derry, and you will bring great wisdom to that mission here.
- As Auxiliary Bishop since 2019, you have experience both of the diocesan Church and the national Church at its various levels.
- And you bring one more valuable talent. You have an interest in Gaelic Football and Basketball and have played and coached both of those!
I firmly believe that your arrival for this new chapter in the more than 850 years history of the Diocese of Derry comes at a turning point, when your wide range of skills, experience and insights will be invaluable. We are all called to be missionaries of the third millennium, in a context where there is a deep hunger for good news. Many are crying out for compassion and hope, but we have positive and encouraging signs of green shoots here in this diocese and in other places.
As I lay down my responsibility as Bishop of Derry, I say to you, céad míle fáilte, is beannaithe an té atá ag teacht in ainm an Tiarna – Blessed is the one who comes in the name of the Lord. The diocesan church in Derry is waiting for your leadership. Today I thank God for your willingness to respond positively to the Lord’s call.
As you prepare to walk among us as our shepherd in a number of weeks, Bail ó Dhia ort agus ar do shaothar inár measc, God bless you and your work among us.
ENDS
- Bishop Donal McKeown is Bishop of Derry