A mother’s prayers answered as Bishop Niall Coll returns home to Raphoe Diocese

Bishop Niall Coll felt as if his mother’s prayers were answered when he learned of his impending transfer to become Bishop of Raphoe.

Kathleen Coll bore a smile as broad as the transepts of St Eunan’s Cathedral on Thursday morning when her son, Bishop Niall, was formally announced as the new Bishop of Raphoe.

“From my earliest days, the faith and love I experienced in my family home in St Johnston have shaped every step of my journey,” Bishop Coll said.

“I think today with special affection of my mother, Kathleen, whose love and deep faith continue to be a source of strength and encouragement.”

He said it was “very poignant, very touching” to have his mother present for the announcement, at the same spot where he was ordained to the priesthood in 1988.

In late 2022, he was appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of Ossory and in recent days Pope Leo confirmed that he will move to his home Diocese.

Bishop Coll added of his mother: “Shee used to find the journeys to Kilkenny very long, when coming to see me, and then she realised that it wasn't possible for me to be as present to her as my other siblings. 

“She's absolutely delighted to have me nearby, and so it's been a great moment for her…an answer to her prayers, she says.”

His father, Willie, passed away almost two years ago, in December 2023. 

Read next: St Johnston native Bishop Niall Coll confirmed as new Bishop of Raphoe

Bishop Coll said his late father’s “example of quiet integrity, humour and trust in God left a mark that remains with me always”.

Thursday was a proud day for the Bishop’s extended family and his sisters Annemarie and Caitriona were also among the congregation while his cousin, Fr Stephen Gorman, was among a large number of Raphoe Diocese priests who were present.