Pope Francis appoints Bishop Kevin Doran as Bishop of Achonry

19 Feb, 2025 | Bishops, Church, News, Pope

Pope Appoints Bishop Kevin Doran to Lead Both Achonry and Elphin Dioceses

On Sunday, 16 February, His Holiness Pope Francis appointed Bishop Kevin Doran (pictured above) to serve as Bishop of both the Diocese of Achonry and the Diocese of Elphin.  Bishop Doran has been acting as Apostolic Administrator of Achonry since April 2024.  While both dioceses will retain their distinct identities, they will be united under Bishop Doran’s leadership, with plans for gradual integration in the years ahead.

The announcement was made at 11.00am following Mass at the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Nathy in Ballaghaderreen, Co Roscommon.  Addressing the congregation, Bishop Doran spoke about the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead as the two dioceses move toward greater unity.  “This is a step toward renewal and a stronger mission together,” he remarked.

Highlighting the importance of respecting the unique cultures of each diocese while working towards a more unified future.  As part of the transition, an Implementation Group has been formed, consisting of ten representatives, five from each diocese, to guide the process of integration.

The official decree from Rome known as ‘The Bull’ is expected to arrive in the coming weeks, with a ‘Liturgy of Installation’ planned for Bishop Doran in the Cathedral within the next two months.

Commenting on the appointment, Archbishop Francis Duffy of Tuam and Apostolic Administrator of Killala expressed his congratulations, saying, “I wish to congratulate Bishop Kevin on his appointment today, and I pray that God will bless all his endeavours as he attends to the governance and pastoral care of the faithful in the Diocese of Achonry.”

Archbishop Eamon Martin of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland also offered his prayers, saying, “I pray God’s blessing on Bishop Kevin as he continues to work closely with the two dioceses to enhance pastoral care and renewal for the mission of the Gospel during this ‘Jubilee Year of Hope’, and beyond.”

Separately, on social media, Archbishop Eamon Martin, Bishop Denis Nulty and Bishop Kevin Doran, encouraged prayers for Pope Francis’ health, and to recover from his present condition in hospital.  Archbishop Martin said, “Our Lady of Lourdes; St Bernadette; intercede for Pope Francis – that he may find healing and regain his strength.”

ENDS

Caption  The picture was taken after the celebration of 10.00am Mass in the Cathedral of the Annunciation of the Blessed Virgin Mary and Saint Nathy.  From left to right: Father Vincent Sherlock, Chancellor of the Diocese of Achonry; Bishop Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin and Bishop of Achonry; and, Fathers Pravin Dhason and Paul Kivlehan (credit: Fr Vincent Sherlock)

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