Bishop Patrick Rooke to retire later this year

THE Right Reverend Patrick Rooke, Church of Ireland Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry, is to retire with effect from October 31.

Ordained in 1978, in 2011 he moved to the west on his appointment as Bishop of Tuam, Killala and Achonry.

The Bishop of Killala, John Fleming, on the announcement, said for the past 10 years he had enjoyed Bishop Rooke's friendship, company, advice and support for the many joint ecumenical occasions and initiatives they shared.

“In particular, his vision and his leadership in the development of Ballina Churches Together will stand as a tribute to his deeply pastoral ecumenical spirit,” he commented. “His social outreach to those on the margins of society is recognised by all the Christian churches in this area. His presence among us will be greatly missed.”

The Archbishop of Tuam, Dr. Michael Neary, also paid tribute, saying Bishop Patrick has been a true pastor to his people, and a strong but gentle leader.

He said: “Among his many gifts and strengths are his warm and welcoming personality, and his great ability to be at ease in company and to put others at ease in his presence. He is also someone who radiates the joy of the Gospel in his public role, but also in private.

“Throughout his tenure in Tuam, Killala and Achonry, Bishop Patrick has always made time for, welcomed, and supported wholeheartedly everything that would allow the faithful from our respective congregations to come together to pray. We have participated together in many ecumenical events, and Bishop Patrick and his clergy have never failed to leave a most enduring and positive impression.

“I will be forever grateful to Bishop Patrick for accepting my invitation to be present in Knock during the visit of His Holiness Pope Francis in August 2018. As a day of immense importance for the Archdiocese of Tuam, I wanted Bishop Patrick to be part of such an historic occasion as a brother and a friend.”