Local bishop to be installed in additional diocese on Sunday

BISHOP Kevin Doran, Bishop of Elphin, will be installed as Bishop of Achonry on Sunday, March 30, at a celebration ceremony in the Cathedral of the Annunciation and Saint Nathy, Ballaghaderreen.

The Installation Mass will be celebrated at 3pm.

The installation liturgy marks the moment when the Diocese of Achonry and the Diocese of Elphin are united 'in persona episcopi' (in the person of the Bishop).

Bishop Doran has been bishop of Elphin since 2014.

The Diocese of Elphin includes local parishes including Ss Peter and Paul's, Athlone; Kiltoom and Cam; Ballyforan, Dysart and Tisrara; Knockcroghery, St John's and Rahara, among others.

The Diocese of Achonry covers 23 parishes, located in North Roscommon, South Mayo and parts of Sligo.

From April 10, 2024, Bishop Doran was Apostolic Administrator of Achonry, which was a temporary caretaker appointment. In February, Pope Francis appointed him Bishop of Achonry.

Principal celebrant and homilist of the installation mass will be Bishop Doran, and His Excellency, Archbishop Luis Mariano Montemayor, Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Francis Duffy and Bishop Michael Duignan will be the principal con-celebrants.

Attendance will include members of the Irish Catholic Bishops’ Conference, both serving and retired, clergy of the dioceses of Achonry and Elphin, and family members and friends of Bishop Doran. Every parish in the Diocese of Achonry will have representatives present, along with representatives from Catholic schools and various diocesan bodies and organisations in the Diocese of Achonry, staff and representatives from the Diocese of Elphin, and representatives of the Church of Ireland communities.

The cathedral's senior choir and folk group will perform throughout the liturgy. Master of ceremonies will be Father Martin Henry.

The celebration of the Installation Mass will be live-streamed via the cathedral's webcam.