‘A kind and deeply devout pastor’ – Tributes paid to the late Bishop Fiachra O’Ceallaigh RIP

by | 1 Aug, 2018 | News

The death of Bishop Fiachra O’Ceallaigh, Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Dublin, was announced on Sunday 29 July. Bishops paid tribute to the late bishop, who was described as ‘a Kind and deeply devout pastor’.

Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and President of the Irish Episcopal Conference, said that he was ‘saddened to learn of the death of Bishop Fiachra Ó Ceallaigh’ adding, ‘I have always heard him spoken of as a kind and deeply devout pastor who faithfully served the people of Dublin as auxiliary bishop for fifteen years.’

He continued, ‘As a priest and former Provincial of the Franciscan Order in Ireland, he made a distinctive contribution to the Episcopal Conference. He was a valued member of the Bishops’ Commission for Religious and also served as a member of the Commission for Worship, Pastoral Renewal & Faith Development. His interest in the Apostleship of the Sea and in the plight of Asylum Seekers and Refugees was always to the fore at Bishops’ meetings. Of course his fluency in the Irish language was valuable in supporting the promotion of Irish in pastoral liturgy.’

Archbishop Eamon added, ‘Bishop Ó Ceallaigh was a warm and caring man, who despite ongoing illness, was well known for his dedication, wisdom and generosity of spirit. On behalf of the Bishops’ Conference I express my prayerful sympathies to his family, to members of the Franciscan family and to the clergy and faithful of the Archdiocese of Dublin. May his gentle soul rest forever in the peace of The Lord whom he generously and faithfully served. Ar dheis Dé go raibh a anam.’

Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin also paud tribute to the late Bishop O’Ceallaigh, describing him ‘as an outstanding witness to the motto he took on his Episcopal appointment “Dia Ár Misneach” (God is our courage), particularly so as he struggled with illness for the last several years since his retirement.’ Archbishop Martin said Bishop Ó Ceallaigh had helped deepen the relationship in the Diocese with religious. He said he brought the insights of the religious to the Diocesan mission. He also paid tribute to his tireless work promoting the Irish Language in the Diocese in his work with Coiste Tréadach.

Bishop O’Ceallaigh’s remains will repose in the Church of the Immaculate Conception – Adam & Eve’s, Dublin, today from 4.00, with Reception of Remains by Archbishop Diarmuid Martin at 7.00pm. The Requiem Mass for Bishop O’Ceallaigh will be celebrated in Irish in Saint Mary’s Pro-Cathedral at 10.30am on Thursday 2 August. Chief celebrant at the Requiem Mass will be Father Liam O’Cuiv, and the homily will be preached by Monsignor Dan O’Connor.

The remains will then be brought to the Franciscan Friary, Ennis, Co. Clare, for prayers in the Friary church at 7.00 pm. Requiem Mass will be celebrated in the Franciscan Friary, Ennis, at 11.30 am on Friday, 3rd August 2018, with burial afterwards in Lissycasey, Co. Clare.

ENDS

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