New Bishop of Limerick ends uncertainty

The appointment of Father Brendan Leahy as the new Bishop of Limerick ends the uncertainty about the future of the Limerick Diocese, according to Parteen parish priest, Fr Tom Carroll.

Fears had been expressed over the last three years that that the Limerick Diocese could be amalgamated with the Diocese of Killaloe or the Kerry Diocese due to the delay in appointing a successor to Bishop Donal Murray, who retired in December 2009.

Fr Carroll admitted he shared the concerns of parishioners who were worried about whether or not the Limerick Diocese would survive because it was taking so long to appoint a new Bishop of Limerick.
He noted the longer the wait went on the more intense the speculation about the possible demise of the Limerick Diocese.

He said priests and parishioners were very happy with the appointment of Bishop Leahy last week.
Fr Carroll, Parteen curate, Fr Fred McDonnell, Cratloe parish priest, Fr Liam Enright, Westbury parish priest, Fr John Daly and curate Fr Paddy Costelloe met Bishop Leahy for an informal dinner in the Woodlands House Hotel, Adare on Tuesday afternoon.

Bishop Leahy will become the spiritual leader for thousands of Catholics in South-East Clare where Cratloe, St Nicholas, Westbury, Parteen and Meelick are all part of the Limerick Diocese.

In fact, Parteen, Meelick and Coonagh, which is in County Limerick, are all part of the one Coonagh parish for church matters.

Father Leahy, who will take up his appointment in the spring, was announced as the incoming Bishop of Limerick by Diocesan Administrator Fr Tony Mullins on the steps of Saint John’s Cathedral at 11am on Thursday of last week to coincide with the announcement in Rome by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI at midday (local time).  Also present for the announcement was Apostolic Nuncio, His Excellency Charles Brown along with a number of priests of the diocese.

Addressing the gathering at Saint John’s Cathedral, Fr Mullins said that Fr Leahy’s appointment “as our Bishop and Shepherd” comes at a time of great challenge in the diocese but also one of great opportunity.

“The Church, including our own diocese, has been going through one of its most difficult periods but I believe Fr Leahy’s appointment comes at a real turning point. We have worked hard to build confidence amongst the faithful and Father Leahy’s appointment will enhance the trust, renewal and sense of leadership in the Church, all of which is gravely needed in the times we live in today,” said Father Mullins.

Addressing parishioners who flocked to Saint John’s Cathedral after Fr Leahy said he was humbled by his appointment.

“Being appointed Bishop of Limerick is certainly not something I foresaw as part of my life’s journey, but I am very grateful to Pope Benedict for opening up for me a new stage in life among the people and places of the historical and renowned diocese of Limerick. I am pleased to be a successor to Bishop Donal Murray whom I very warmly greet. I look forward very much to getting to know the people of this diocese, especially young people,” he said.

“Confidence comes certainly not from me. I am only too conscious of the contrast between who I am and the task ahead of me. But I recognise that the Church is first and foremost based on a promise that does not deceive: Jesus’ promise: “remember, I am with you always, to the end of the age”.