August date for bishop’s ordination

THE 16-year tenure of ­outgoing Bishop of Killaloe, Willie Walsh will officially end in August when the new Bishop Elect, Fr Kieran O’Reilly will be formally ordained.

It is expected that Fr O’Reilly will be ordained by the Catholic Primate of Ireland, Cardinal Seán Brady at a ceremony in the Cathedral of Sts Peter and Paul in Ennis on Sunday, August 29 at 3pm.
While the details are not yet fully finalised, Dr Walsh and a bishop from Fr O’Reilly’s order, the Society of African Missions (SMA) will be the co-consecrators.
Diocesan spokesman, Fr Brendan Quinlivan said some details of the ceremony will not be confirmed until the bishop elect arrives in the diocese for the first time next week and gets an opportunity to make his own personal input.
The 57-year-old Cork cleric will address a press conference in the chapter room at Ennis Cathedral at 10.30am next Wednesday.
The press conference will also be attended by Dr Walsh and the chairperson of the Killaloe Diocesan Pastoral Council, Leonard Cleary.
There are 26 bishops in the country and about 100 priests in the diocese, who will be invited to attend. It is anticipated that a large number of priests from the SMA congregation will attend.
It is expected that the new bishop will set up a committee including liturgical representatives from across the diocese to look after the organisation and planning for the ceremony.
While every effort will be made to accommodate as many people as possible in the Ennis Cathedral, which accommodates over 1,400 at full capacity, Fr Quinlivan admitted it may be necessary to limit the numbers or allow admittance on the day by invite only.
“The diocese needs to establish how people will be invited and what space is left. The diocese may invite four or five representatives from each of the 59 parishes in the diocese.
“The new bishop may have some personal wishes concerning the ceremony, which will have to be taken into account,” he said.
Fr Quinlivan told The Clare Champion the ceremony will be an important day for the diocese, the new bishop and his entire family.
In addition to expressing his surprise, Fr O’Reilly admitted in a recent statement that he is honoured and humbled by the appointment, which brings with it many mixed feelings.
“It is going to take time to understand all that is involved in being a bishop, it will be a great privilege to serve in Killaloe and I look forward to all that lies ahead.
“I would like to acknowledge the work of the priests of the diocese who have been faithfully and diligently carrying out their ministry in a difficult time for the Irish Church,” he said.