HEAVENLY HOST

Loughrea native welcomed into Achonry diocese

Michael Commins

THE new Bishop of Achonry, Right Reverend Brendan Kelly, told a capacity congregation at his Episcopal ordination in St Nathy’s Cathedral in Ballaghaderreen on Sunday that his dearest prayer for the priests of Achonry was that ‘together we will form a fraternity of truly good Shepherds for the people of this diocese, particularly those who in any way find themselves to be the least or lost or lonely’.

His Eminence, Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, was the principal-consecrator at the Mass. Archbishop Michael Neary, the Archbishop of Tuam, and Bishop Thomas Flynn, Bishop Emeritus of Achonry, were the co-consecrators.

Members of the Irish Bishops’ Conference, priests from the dioceses of Achonry and Galway, and former classmates and friends of Monsignor Kelly, concelebrated the Mass.

It was a very special day of memories for Monsignor Brendan Kelly who was born at Derrybrien, Loughrea, on May 20, 1946. Son of the late Annie and Sean Kelly, NT, and the second in a family of nine children, he received the Sacrament of Confirmation at Craughwell, in the Diocese of Galway, on May 28, 1957.

Following his early education at Craughwell National School, he attended St Mary’s College, Galway, from 1959 to 1964. He began his studies for the priesthood at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth, in 1964 and was ordained a priest for the Diocese of Galway by the Most Rev Michael Browne in Galway Cathedral on June 20, 1971.

While at Maynooth, he was awarded the degree of Bachelor of Arts and that of Bachelor of Divinity, and he later obtained his Higher Diploma in Education at University College Galway in 1973.

Having served for a year as curate in the Parish of Kinvara, Co Galway, he held a number of academic posts. From 1972 to 1980, he taught in the diocesan post-primary college, Coláiste Éinde, and, similarly, from 1980 to 1986 in Our Lady’s College, Gort, of which he was subsequently President from 1986 to 1995.

In 1995/1996, he received Sabbatical leave and served as Chaplain to the L’Arche community at Cuise-la-Motte in France. In 1996, he was appointed Parish Priest of Lisdoonvarna, Co Clare, and in June 2002 he was created a Canon of the Cathedral Chapter and became Vicar Forane for the deanery of Kilfenora.

From 2003 until this week, he served as Parish Priest of Spiddal, Co Galway. In 2005, he was also appointed Vicar General of the Diocese of Galway by the Most Rev Martin Drennan, and on March 6, 2006, Pope Benedict XVI conferred upon him the honour of Chaplain of His Holiness.

The new bishop said the people of the Diocese of Achonry were ‘full of joy’ that Cardinal Seán Brady was present for his first Episcopal ordination as Cardinal. “We have come to recognise and love you over the years not just as a Cavan or Armagh man, but as one of ourselves, and we were all lifted up by your recent raising to the college of Cardinals,” he said.

Turning to his predecessor, Bishop Thomas Flynn, he said: “You welcomed me with a great smile and a generous heart, and did I detect a little lightness of spirit as the time had come to step aside after 31 years of total service. You deserve that lightness of heart and I am glad you will be living even closer now to this Cathedral that you love for all it is and stands for. Go raibh fad saol agat, a happy and peaceful retirement agus faoi choimirce Dé agus na Maighdeana go raibh tú.” These comments were greeted with prolonged applause.

Bishop Kelly had special words of welcome for His Excellency, Archbishop Giuseppi Lazzarotto, who was present as representative of the Holy Father, and who presided at the ceremony. He also welcomed Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam as well as the representatives of other Christian Churches and communions. “You have honoured us today by your presence and by coming to pray with us. We will continue to be present to each other and to pray together,” he said.

Bishop Kelly said he looked forward to working with the priests of his new diocese. “Your welcome to me has been wholehearted. I need you now more than you need me. I have a lot to learn. You may have to be patient. May God help us together to truly give our lives for his people.”

Throughout the congregation were representatives and friends from the places and parishes where he had served since his ordination as well as friends form the Faith and Light and L’Arche communities. He singled out Mary Sheridan and Mary Considine for special mention. He also had words of praise for members of the teaching profession and their role in society.

His home place around Craughwell came in for special mention and there was clearly a sense of local pride in that area with his elevation to Bishop of Achonry. It was a great day too for his brothers and sisters, their spouses and children, and a day to remember in a very special way his late parents, Annie and Sean Kelly.

“I thank in a special way those who have come from the parish of Craughwell, the place that will always be my first home, where faith was a part of the air I breathed as a boy and where priesthood was so deeply cherished and appreciated.”

On Mid West Radio, Fr Brendan Hoban led the commentary from the Cathedral while the ceremony was also broadcast live on Shannonside Radio.