THE incoming Bishop of Raphoe Diocese Niall Coll has set out his vision and hopes ahead of his installation later this month.
The St Johnston native’s appointment will see him return from the Diocese of Ossory, where he had served as Bishop since 2023.
Bishop Coll said he wants to bring everything he learned from his time as Bishop of Ossory to the Diocese of Raphoe.
“One aspect that became very clear to me in Ossory is that our parishes need to be better equipped to catechise people of all ages,” the bishop told the Irish Catholic newspaper, adding that the parishes “need to become catechumenal hubs – places where adults, young and not so young, can explore the faith together and receive solid instruction”.
One of Bishop Coll’s priorities is to visit the sick and retired priests who are in hospitals and nursing home in a bid to “reintroduce myself, but more importantly to thank them personally for their faithful and generous service to the Gospel among the people and parishes of Raphoe over many decades,” he told the Irish Catholic newspaper.
He also plans to meet with the people and clergy in Raphoe, to listen and learn from them in order to move forward together in a “spirit of faith, love and hope”. Bishop Coll said he is also very much looking forward to engaging with the youth of Raphoe.
EXCITING CHAPTER
The Donegal man has said he is very much looking forward to returning home and the next exciting chapter in his ministry.
In November, family members and friends joined with members of the clergy and parishioners for the historic announcement that was made shortly after 10am Mass in St Eunan’s Cathedral.
Speaking at the time, he said: “I am delighted to be coming home to my friends and my family and to be nearer to my mother,” Bishop Coll said.
“This is the diocese where I was born and where I was brought up.”
During his address, he acknowledged the challenges facing the diocese.
He said Raphoe, like every Irish diocese, is experiencing major cultural, social and spiritual shifts and that the church no longer holds the central place in public life it once did.
Bishop Coll spoke frankly of the declining priest numbers, felt most in small rural communities, and how this adds to the challenges facing the church.
While speaking of the strain on the diocese created by fewer priests, he encouraged openness to collaboration across parishes and dioceses, better sharing of resources and new forms of ministry which would be better suited to modern life.
Bishop Coll also acknowledged the significant responsibilities carried by the priests of the diocese and expressed deep gratitude for their fidelity, generosity and perseverance.
He also praised the increasing number of lay people who are taking on roles in parish life.
TRIBUTE
Bishop Coll, the eldest of four children, was born in St Johnston to Willie and Kathleen Coll.
Addressing the packed pews, he paid tribute to his parents, both formative influences in his life and priesthood.
His father sadly passed away two years ago, but his mother was present at the special ceremony. She beamed with pride as she watched her son announced as Bishop on the altar of St Eunan’s Cathedral, where he was ordained almost 40 years ago.
In 1989, having completed his studies, Bishop Coll was appointed chaplain and teacher at St Eunan’s College.
He spoke warmly about his pride and gratitude in returning to his roots, and it was clear from the congregation – filled with family, friends, neighbours and pupils from local schools – that the people of the diocese shared that feeling.
“It was great to see students from St Eunan’s College, where I myself was a student and my first appointment after ordination was in this very cathedral 37 years ago.
“My deepest feeling at the moment is the gratitude that I’m coming home and that I am with my own people.”
Students at the special Mass in November.
Bishop Niall Coll met many parishioners following the special Mass in November.
