BISHOP Alan McGuckian, SJ has today been appointed by Pope Francis as the new Bishop of the Diocese of Down and Connor.
In a letter to the Diocese of Raphoe, Bishop McGuckian announced his new appointment.
The letter read:
“It was announced today that I have been appointed Bishop of Down and Connor. I was informed a short time ago by the Apostolic Nuncio that Pope Francis was asking this new service of me. It will be a great sorrow for me to leave so many wonderful friends here in Donegal. I have been overwhelmed during the past six years by the kindness and readiness of so many people to take me into their hearts. It has been the greatest privilege of my life to have been your bishop.
“As a priest I try to live my life under obedience to the Lord and when he calls on me to move again, even though I certainly did not expect or seek it, I go forward in trust.
I have loved serving in this diocese because there is a bedrock of faith among you that is a great treasure. It has inspired and encouraged me. I hope and pray that your faith and trust in God working through you in your parish communities will grow ever deeper.
“I will be Apostolic Administrator of Raphoe for the next few weeks as I prepare to move on. After I take up office in Down and Connor, the College of Consultors will meet to choose a Diocesan Administrator to lead the diocese in the interim. I will celebrate the Sacrament of Confirmation in all the parishes as scheduled until the end of February. After that, delegation will be given to the local pastors.
“You, the people of Raphoe have always been in my daily prayers since I first heard that I was to be your bishop six and a half years ago. Now, I ask that you pray for me as I go to take up the Church’s mission in pastures new.”
Meanwhile, Archbishop Eamon Martin welcomed Pope Francis’ appointment of Bishop Alan McGuckian as Bishop of Down and Connor.
“As President of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, and as Archbishop in the ecclesiastical province of Armagh, I warmly welcome today’s appointment, by Pope Francis, of Bishop Alan McGuckian, Bishop of Raphoe, as the new Bishop of Down and Connor,” he said.
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