The new Bishop of Galway says he feels like he has become a bishop again for the first time.
Roscommon native Bishop Michael Duignan who is the Bishop of Clonfert, will now also take charge of the west of Ireland diocese.
Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo told the crowd at Cathedral of Our Lady Assumed into Heaven & Saint Nicholas, Galway this morning that Bishop Michéal Duignan would be succeeding Bishop Brendan Kelly as the new head of the church in the large diocese
He was ordained to the Priesthood for the Diocese of Elphin on 17 July 1994 and was appointed Bishop of Clonfert by Pope Francis in 2019.
The Clonfert and Galway Dioceses will now be administered by the one Bishop, while retaining their rights, obligations and autonomy.
Addressing the congregation, the Bealnamulla native said he takes up the role with great excitement :
"It was like being asked again to be Bishop for the first time. A moment where half of you feels like turning away. While the other half of you feels called to stay and do the Lord's work."
He also paid tribute to Bishop Kelly, who only took up the role in 2017.
"I do not think we should let a day like today go by without recording the debt of gratitude this diocese and indeed the Diocese of Achonry owes to you Brendan for your many faithful years of service as a priest and Bishop."
No date has yet been set for the ordination of Bishop Duignan.
You can hear some of Bishop Duignan's speech here:
Bishop Michael Duignan is presented with flowers and with students of Coláiste Muire Máthair pic.twitter.com/Rm6Lpmpgd6
— CatholicBishops (@CatholicBishops) February 11, 2022
Bishop Brendan Kelly addresses the congregation at the announcement of Bishop Michael Duignan as the new Bishop of Galway - “Today the Holy Father Pope Francis, guided by the Holy Spirit, has sent us a new shepherd!” @GalwayCathedral pic.twitter.com/UikQGIWokr
— CatholicBishops (@CatholicBishops) February 11, 2022
