New Bishop of Achonry is installed

The official coming together of the Diocese of Elphin and the Diocese of Achonry took place on Sunday, in St. Nathy’s Cathedral, Ballaghaderreen when Bishop Kevin Doran was installed as the Bishop of Achonry.

During his homily the Bishop spoke on a number of issues but highlighted the “need to review our structures to make sure that they are appropriate to the needs of the 21st Century.” He also added: “We have entered into a “new space”, which presents us with all sorts of possibilities to grow together.” 

Bishop Doran was joined at the installation service by His Excellency, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Francis Duffy and Bishop Michael Duignan, who were the principal concelebrants.

Attendance also included bishops, clergy of the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, and family members and friends of Bishop Doran.

Every parish in the Diocese of Achonry had representatives present. There were also representatives from schools and various diocesan bodies and organisations in the Diocese of Achonry. Staff and representatives from the Diocese of Elphin were in attendance as were representatives of other Christian Churches.

During his homily the Bishop stated: “Over the past twelve months, I have begun to learn a bit more about the Diocese of Achonry, its history and its culture. I was particularly interested in the story of Saint Attracta. Growing up in the early part of the sixth century, as you know, she is associated with Killaracht, where she established a monastery and a pilgrim hostel. When she was still in her teens, she met with resistance when she discerned that she was called to religious life. In that challenging time, she went to stay close to the monastery at Drum, near Boyle in County Roscommon, where her brother Conal was the Bishop.

“This, for me, has become a symbol of the close connections between our two Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, and of our shared tradition of faith. The preparatory document for the second session of the recent Universal Synod expresses this balance nicely, reminding us that: “the gift of the Gospel is offered to people and communities living in particular times and places, not closed in on themselves but bearers of stories that must be recognised, respected, and opened to broader horizons”.

He also stressed: “We also need to remember that the whole reason for undertaking this journey is so that we can more effectively carry out the mission that is entrusted to us.” 

He said: “Our parishes need to be communities of welcome, and not just service providers. We need on-going formation in faith, and we cannot expect a life-time of discipleship to be sustained simply by what we have learnt at school. We need to find ways to facilitate the active involvement of young adults in the liturgical and pastoral life of the Church. We need to recognise the gifts of lay women and men, to invest in forming them for mission and ministry and to facilitate their full participation.” 

He continued: “We need to rediscover the social mission of the Church; the outreach to those who are on the margins, and the work of justice. We will continue to need priests for the Eucharist and for the celebration of the Sacraments.” He concluded by stating: “As Bishop of Achonry and Bishop of Elphin, I am delighted to be able to see ‘the promised land’, even if it is still a bit in the distance. While I look forward to finishing the job, that is really in God’s hands and in yours. The more important thing for all of us to remember is that, while Bishops come and go, it is the Spirit of God who leads us and if we walk with Jesus, we will eventually get to where God wants us to be.”