On Tuesday 15th June & Wednesday 16th June our Bishop elect Fr. Kieran O’Reilly SMA paid his first visit to the Diocese. On Tuesday evening in Nenagh, he met with the Priests of the Diocese east of the Shannon as well as Diocesan laity who work on Diocesan committees.
On Wednesday morning he held a Press conference in Ennis Cathedral when Bishop Willie Walsh introduced him to the public and the media.
During the press conference the chairperson of the Killaloe Diocesan Pastoral Council, Leonard Cleary, stated that the ordination of Fr. Kieran as Bishop seals his generous response to the nomination of Pope Benedict. “This is a special call to a ministry of service to the people of Killaloe. Central to this service will be the work of pastoral planning. Fr. Kieran begins his service at a time when the Pastoral Plan is being reviewed. Bishop William Walsh, to whom we now say a míle buíochas for his service, launched the plan six years ago. This review of the Pastoral Plan will provide a timely opportunity for Fr. Kieran, as Bishop, to collaborate with people during the consultation process of prioritising actions for the next phase. He will bring to this work his many gifts.”
The Pastoral Plan available at the Diocesan website www.killaloediocese.ie focuses on three areas: (i) Prayer & Spirituality, (ii) Structures (Parish Pastoral Councils, Diocesan Unit and Clusters of Parishes) and (iii) Formation for priests and people. It is rooted in a gospel, papal and local vision. Leonard Cleary stated “this is a time of great challenge and change in the Catholic Church in Ireland. Fr. Kieran will bring a wealth of ideas from his experience of church in many cultures. Charting the way forward together and a shared vision of pastoral planning will be pivotal.”
Later in the day met with Parish staff, volunteers and Diocesan workers. On Wednesday evening he met with Priests and Diocesan laity west of the Shannon.
Fr. Kieran returns to Rome on this Thursday to conclude his duties with the Society of African Missions and will return later in the summer in preparation for his Episcopal Ordination on 29th August in Ennis Cathedral.
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