The President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh, has extended his best wishes and blessings to Father Fintan Gavin who has been appointed today by Pope Francis as Bishop of Cork & Ross. The Archbishop described Bishop-elect Fintan as “a gentle, friendly pastor, and a hardworking priest and canon lawyer.”
Archbishop Martin also expressed his gratitude to Bishop John Buckley, the longest serving current member of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference.
He said: “As a relative newcomer to the Bishops’ Conference, I have personally valued Bishop Buckley’s carefully chosen and incisive contributions to our discussions – which drew from a depth of pastoral wisdom and intuition.”
The President of the Bishops’ Conference continued: “Bishop-emeritus John’s personal commitment to visiting the sick, the housebound and those in hospital is well known and is typical of his selfless dedication as a pastor close to his people. At local and national level Bishop Buckley has remained a fearless advocate for the right to life of unborn children.”
Archbishop Martin concluded: “As with his people in Cork and Ross, Bishop-emeritus John will continue to be held in esteem and affection by his brother bishops. I pray God’s blessing on him for a long, healthy and well-deserved retirement.”
ENDS
