The appointment of Most Rev Dr Donal McKeown as Bishop of Derry is “good news” for the diocese, Archbishop Eamon Martin has said.
Bishop of Derry Donal McKeown.
The former Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor celebrated his first Mass as Bishop of Derry in St Eugene’s Cathedral in the city this morning following his appointment to the role yesterday by Pope Francis.
Archbishop Martin, who acted as administrator for a period in the Derry diocese following the retirement on health grounds of Bishop Seamus Hegarty in 2011, said the 63-year-old brought “many gifts” to his new role.
Archbishop Martin, who is to succeed Sean Brady as cardinal later this year, said: “It’s great news for Derry! I am delighted to share in the joy of my home Diocese of Derry.
“I know the people and the priests have been waiting very patiently for the appointment of a new bishop, as it is some time since Bishop Hegarty resigned.
“Bishop Donal brings many gifts to his new role.
“He is friendly and kind and he has been a great support to me since my ordination as Archbishop.
Archbishop Eamon Martin.
“Bishop Donal has experience and understanding of a wide range of issues, especially in education, pastoral renewal, youth ministry and vocations work.”
And he joked: “He has a love for the Irish language and he’s not a bad singer either – that should help him in the ‘town I love so well’!”
Archbishop Martin: “As well as congratulating him, I offer him my prayerful support on the new tasks he is taking on.”
Bishop McKeown will lead a diocese of 245,000 Catholics spread across 51 parishes and served by 104 diocesan priests on both sides of the border, consisting of Derry city, most of Co Derry as well as parts of Donegal, Tyrone and Antrim.
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