On Sunday last, the ordination Mass of Bishop Niall Coll took place in the Cathedral of Saint Mary, Kilkenny. The Chief Ordaining Prelate was Archbishop Dermot Farrell, Archbishop of Dublin, who was assisted by Co-Consecrators Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin and outgoing Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory, and Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of Raphoe.
Delivering the Homily of the Mass, Father Kieran O’Shea said, “the Holy Father, Pope Francis has sent us a new Bishop in succession to Archbishop Dermot and, of course, to relieve Bishop Denis of his extraterritorial responsibilities which he has carried out with extraordinary dedication and relentless energy during the past two years. It is with great gratitude that we return him to the people of Kildare & Leighlin – hopefully intact – and it is with immense joy that we greet Bishop-elect Niall, along with his parents, Kathleen and Willie, his sisters, brother, extended family members, Bishop McGuckian and priests of the Diocese of Raphoe, and many friends from near and far – you are all heartily welcome.”
Outgoing Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory and Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, Bishop Denis Nulty said, “Today the people, priests and religious of Ossory give thanks for the Ordination of Bishop Niall Coll, the 96th Bishop of Ossory. Having known Bishop Niall from our student days together in Maynooth, I am keenly aware of his immense capabilities, his deep faith and his great energy for all aspects of ministry. As a theologian his love of learning and his great appreciation of God revealed to us will ensure that he continues to guide the faithful of Ossory ever closer to the Lord. ”
During his words of thanks, Bishop Coll said, “Let me begin by thanking all present, most particularly my mother and father, my brother, sisters, brother-in-law and wider family of aunts, uncles, cousins. Also my friends, seminary classmates and contemporaries, former colleagues especially from my Belfast days, and priests and people from Raphoe diocese and everywhere, especially parishioners from Tawnawilly and Drumholm parishes.”
Bishop Coll concluded the Mass saying, “As we look to the future, we know that we will face many challenges together. We find courage for the work that lies ahead because Christ Jesus is truly the way, the truth and the life. He is our hope. Amen.”
To read these statements in full, click here.
ENDS
