Prayers have been said in all churches throughout the Diocese in these past weeks and prayer cards were distributed at Masses so that the people of the Diocese could accompany Fr Niall in his preparations. Resource packs were prepared for both primary and secondary schools to help the students there be part of the preparations and to take this opportunity to teach them about their local church, the role of a Bishop and our own roles as Baptised members of the faith! 

 

On Friday evening 20th January at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Cathedral the faithful of the Diocese will gather to celebrate an evening prayer with Fr Niall. During this simple ceremony the symbols of his office will be blessed: the pectoral cross, the ring and his pastoral staff.  The Cathedral and Diocesan Choir will lead the music at this beautiful ceremony. 

 

On Sunday 22nd at 3pm over 800 people will gather in St Mary’s Cathedral for the Ordination ceremony.  The Principal celebrant will be Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin and the co-consecrators will be Bishop Denis Nulty Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin who for these past two years sewred also as Apostolic Administrator of Ossory and Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Raphoe Diocese, Fr Niall’s home Diocese.