Pope Francis appoints new Archbishop of Tuam
HIS Holiness Pope Francis has appointed Bishop Francis Duffy, Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois, as the new Archbishop of Tuam.
He replaces Dr. Michael Neary, a native of Castlebar, who has retired after nearly 27 years service as Archbishop.
Archbishop-elect Duffy con-celebrated Mass in the Cathedral of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary, Tuam, this morning with His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, and Archbishop Neary.
A native of Cavan, Archbishop-elect Duffy was born in 1958 and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Kilmore in 1982. He was appointed Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois in 2013.
In his address at Tuam Cathedral, Bishop Duffy said he is following in the footsteps of a true shepherd who has led the diocese with great wisdom, sensitivity, and faithfulness.
The archdiocese, he noted, is renowned for the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine at Knock and for Croagh Patrick and also for Ballintubber Abbey and Máméan and he looked forward to engaging with the deep spiritual traditions and culture of the area.
He said he was looking forward to working with the parishioners, the priests and religious of the archdiocese, adding: “I will be on the highways and byways and the boats to visit the people in their parishes as soon as possible.”
Archbishop Neary extended a warm welcome to his successor, stating: “It has been my privilege to serve this diocese for 50 years as a priest, 29 as a bishop, and for the past almost 27 years as Archbishop. I know, Archbishop Francis, that the news of your appointment will be received with enthusiasm and joy in each of the 56 parishes and in many places beyond.
“I am certain that you will receive generous assistance and support from people in every corner of the archdiocese, as I have received it, and I will also support and assist you in every way I can as you exercise your important ministry as pastor of this particular church.”
Dr. Neary said they had worked closely together as members of the Bishops’ Conference, telling the new archbishop: “Of your many gifts, your reputation as a hard-working, kind and generous pastoral leader - as well as being a popular bishop amongst your priests and people - precedes you. On a personal level, I pray for God’s blessing on your future ministry as Archbishop of Tuam.”