LETTERKENNY-born Niall Coll was yesterday ordained Bishop of Ossory in the Cathedral of St Mary in Kilkenny.
The 59 year-old grew up in St Johnston with his parents Willie and Kathleen and his three siblings. He attended St Eunan’s College.
Archbishop of Dublin, Dermot Farrell conducted the consecrationassisted by Co-Consecrators Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin and outgoing Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory, and Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ, Bishop of Raphoe.
The Bishop-elect Niall Coll processing into St Mary’s Cathedral on Sunday. Picture: John Mc Elroy.
Speaking afterwards Bishop Coll thanked everyone saying “At the end of this beautiful liturgy, I am afforded an opportunity to offer some words of thanks and a thought, a word of encouragement to all gathered here this afternoon … especially the people, religious and priests of the diocese of Ossory representing our 42 parishes and 13 pastoral areas. I also salute people of goodwill everywhere, not least those who are joining with us through the webcam in Ossory, Donegal and elsewhere.
“Let me begin by thanking all present, most particularly my mother and father, my brother, sisters, brother-in-law and wider family of aunts, uncles, cousins.
“Also my friends, seminary classmates and contemporaries, former colleagues especially from my Belfast days, and priests and people from Raphoe diocese and everywhere, especially parishioners from Tawnawilly and Drumholm parishes. A particular warm welcome to the new Church of Ireland bishop here, Adrian Wilkinson. Similarly, a warm welcome to the representatives of the other Christian traditions and other faiths here present … So many have travelled a great distance to be here. Thank you.
“As we look to the future, we know that we will face many challenges together. We find courage for the work that lies ahead because Christ Jesus is truly the way, the truth and the life. He is our hope. Amen.
“Téimis ar aghaidh le chéile agus muid lán le muinín. A Mhuire, a Mháthair na hEaglaise, guigh orainne. A Chiarán, a Cheannach, a Adhamhnain, a Bhríd, a Cholmcille, guigí orainn.”
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