This Sunday, 30 March 2025, the Diocese of Achonry will celebrate a historic moment as Bishop Kevin Doran (pictured above) is formally installed as the new Bishop of Achonry. The Episcopal Installation Mass, set to begin at 3:00 pm, will be held at the Cathedral of the Annunciation and Saint Nathy in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.
For those unable to attend in person, the Installation Mass will be livestreamed via the Cathedral’s webcam. This will allow the faithful and the wider community to join in the celebration and witness this significant moment in the life of the local Church.
Born in Dublin in 1953, Bishop Kevin Doran was ordained a priest in 1977 and spent more than three decades serving in various parishes throughout the Archdiocese of Dublin. His ministry spanned across educational administration, university chaplaincy, and guiding candidates for the priesthood. A key moment in his priestly life came in 2012 when he served as Secretary General of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress, a role that highlighted his deep commitment to the Catholic faith.
Bishop Doran’s appointment as Bishop of Elphin in 2014 brought him to the west of Ireland, where he led the Diocese with a focus on pastoral care and social justice. His leadership expanded as, in April 2024, Pope Francis appointed him Apostolic Administrator of Achonry. In February 2025, he was named Bishop of Achonry, a position he now holds alongside his role as Bishop of Elphin.
The Installation Mass will be attended by the laity, religious, clergy, and special guests, all of whom will gather to pray for Bishop Doran and for the future of the Diocese.
In the weeks leading up to this Installation Mass, Bishop Doran has expressed deep gratitude for the trust placed in him by Pope Francis, and he looks forward to working closely with the people of Achonry and the wider community. His appointment to both dioceses in persona episcopi, a term meaning that he will serve as the sole bishop for both dioceses, reflects the Church’s ongoing efforts to strengthen pastoral leadership in the region.
After the Mass, Bishop Doran will greet members of the congregation personally outside the Cathedral, offering an opportunity for interaction and reflection. The day promises to be one of spiritual significance for the Diocese, as the faithful gather to witness the next chapter in the life and ministry of Bishop Kevin Doran.