‘I certainly feel that God was smiling down on me’

THE new Bishop of Killaloe, Kieran O’Reilly, was adjusting to his role in his new home in Westbourne, Ennis, this week after his ordination on Sunday.

He said he had been left with a consuming feeling of warmth and friendship since the ceremony, adding that it had been the most memorable of days.
“It was a wonderful celebration. A super day. The ceremony was everything I had hoped for and more because of the efforts of all the people involved in organising the ceremony, under the guiding hand of Fr Tom Hogan, who oversaw all of the preparations. I am very grateful to them all for everything they did and for making the occasion so memorable for me and my family,” Bishop O’Reilly commented.
He said he was quite relaxed at his ordination. “We had a rehearsal on Saturday evening, which helped me to get over my nerves very well and definitely made it easier for me. I couldn’t afford to be too apprehensive because once the ordination rite was completed I knew that I would be leading the rest of the ceremony, so I had to be at least a bit confident. Also I knew I was surrounded by family and friends who were all there to wish me well. There were a number of points during the ordination when I was quite emotional but I suppose that’s natural. It was the best day of my life to date and it means the world to me,” he added.
The bishop was very impressed by the music and dance during the ceremony.
“What really struck me about the whole ceremony was the organisation that went into it. I love music and dance, especially traditional Irish music, as well as classical music and folk music, and there was a fabulous mix of music at the ceremony. Everyone who performed was brilliant. I particularly loved the Irish dance by the three dancers from the O’Rourke School of Dancing, to welcome the Gospel. In Africa, there is almost always a dance to welcome the Gospel and it reminded me so much of that – a celebration of the world of Our Lord.
“I found the dressing of the altar with beautiful cloths was very special, as was the prayer for leadership. I am praying a lot for guidance in this, my new role as Bishop of Killaloe, and this prayer helps me a lot. The African element of the ceremony was very important to me, given my background in missionary work. It’s a priority for me too to include all members of society in this diocese and I hope that was apparent to everyone who was present at the ordination on Sunday,” he said.
He added that his hope was that the ordination would be about the future, “moving forward with hope and sharing with others different ways to witness God in this world. I feel that was achieved at the ceremony”.
“I was overwhelmed by the amount of people who turned up at the ordination from far and near. And if I could have chosen the weather for the day of my ordination as bishop, I couldn’t have chosen it to be more beautiful. I really felt that God was smiling down on me and the sunny day certainly contributed to the wonderful atmosphere. I don’t think I was alone in feeling that warmth on Sunday.”
He said that one of the most important things for him now is to get to know the diocese. “I have already had quick visits to several parishes with Bishop Willie but I want to get to all parts of the diocese and build up a relationship with people. It will be busy but I’m looking forward to meeting people. It’s a great adventure for me in my life and a wonderful challenge, which will present great opportunities,” Bishop O’Reilly remarked.
He said that he loves to watch sports, especially GAA. “Of course, I’ve always shouted for Cork but my allegiances will be at least a little torn from now on. I won’t know who to shout for really, given that this diocese covers North Tipperary, Offaly and Clare, I suppose given that I’m living in Clare, I’ll lend my name to the Clare camp – unless of course they’re playing Cork.”
He added that he also loves hill-walking, as well as playing golf, cycling, swimming and off-shore fishing. “I know that Clare presents lots of possibilities in terms of all of these activities too, so it will be great, if I have time, to get to be active in this way,” he said.