His Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Father Fintan Monahan, a priest of the Archdiocese of Tuam, as the new Bishop of Killaloe. The announcement was made today in the Vatican.
Father Fintan Monahan was born in Tullamore, Co Offaly, in January 1967, before moving to Co Galway in 1980. He began studying for the priesthood for the Archdiocese of Tuam in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, in 1984, and was ordained to the priesthood in Séipéal Mhic Dara, An Cheathrú Rua, on 16 June 1991 by Archbishop Joseph Cassidy. He acted as curate in An Tulach, Baile na hAbhann, Conamara, from 1992-1993. From 1993-2006 he taught Science, Irish and Religion at the diocesan college, Saint Jarlath’s College, in Tuam. In 2006, Archbishop Michael Neary appointed him chaplain to Saint Jarlath’s College and diocesan secretary. During that time he also worked in the area of communications, and vocations promotion, and served as editor of the Tuam Diocesan Magazine, New Dawn. In recent years he joined the Communications Council of the Irish Episcopal Conference.
Speaking this morning at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul, Ennis, Co Clare, Father Monahan said, “It is with great humility and a deep sense of unworthiness that I come here to join you today. When I was contacted by the Papal Nuncio some days ago I was completely surprised and shocked at my being called to serve in the role as Bishop of Killaloe! Having worked in a diocesan office for almost eleven years – I know only too well the magnitude of the responsibilities and challenges that arrive on the desk of a bishop in Ireland today! However, aware of the presence and providence of the Lord, the good will and cooperation of so many people so willing to help, I joyfully and earnestly set about the work I am called to do here in Killaloe.”
He continued, “I am delighted to be with you – people and priests of this diocese. I have always felt a great sense of warmth, kindness and welcome in relation to people from the area of the south and mid-west in which Killaloe is located.
“I look forward to working with you to continue the great spirit of collaboration, priests and people working closely together, a long established tradition that has been clearly so evident here in Killaloe and you are so well known for. It is a privilege to be able to continue the great work in the area of evangelisation, faith development, clustering, pastoral planning, vocations promotion, care of priests, youth ministry, safeguarding children, liturgy, prayer and spirituality. Providing support and pastoral assistance for families will be a big part of our work in the Church in Ireland as we prepare diligently for The World Meeting of Families which is being hosted in Ireland in 2018.”
He concluded by saying, “Today is Garland Friday, the start of Reek Weekend where people make the annual trek to climb Croagh Patrick. I know in taking on this role and task and privilege of being Bishop of Killaloe that I am climbing a huge mountain. In the spirit of making a pilgrimage to the above mentioned Holy Mountain, I make this journey in faith, hope and love and know that I can rely on the guarantee of your prayers, support, cooperation and friendship.
“There is a job to be done. The sleeves are rolled up. I’m happy to join the meitheal of work that is on-going in this prayerful community of faith that is Killaloe diocese. May the Lord be with us all as we continue our work for the Lord.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh, offered his congratulations to Father Fintan Monahan saying, “This is a very special day for Father Fintan himself, as well as for his family and friends. It is also a very special day for the Diocese of Killaloe to which Pope Francis has sent a new bishop.”
Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam, said, “I wish Father Fintan every blessing and a very fruitful ministry in his new appointment. May the Lord shower abundant blessings on him and on those to whom he ministers.”
Archbishop Keiran O’Reilly, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly said, “I offer my congratulations today to Father Fintan and to the members of his family. I pray God’s blessing on him as he takes up this new ministry in the Diocese of Killaloe and I assure him of my prayers.”
To read the full statements on Father Fintan’s appointment as Bishop of Killaloe please visit www.catholicbishops.ie.
ENDS
