The Diocese of Ossory is finalising preparations for the Ordination of Fr Niall Coll as the Bishop of Ossory,
In assuming that role Bishop Niall will be also Patron of St Kieran’s College as the Diocesan College, a proud honour for a man who has given a lifetime of service to education. As Patron to the College he is very much aware that he is now journeying with Ireland’s Oldest Catholic Secondary School – a College with a proud and rich tradition.
For some weeks now, since the announcement on 28th October that Pope Francis had appointed Fr Niall as the next Bishop of Ossory, many in the Diocese have been working hard to prepare for the celebrations which will take place on this coming Sunday.
Prayers have been said in all churches throughout the Diocese in these past weeks and prayer cards were distributed at Masses so that the people of the Diocese could accompany Fr Niall in his preparations. Resource packs were prepared for both primary and secondary schools to help the students there be part of the preparations and to take this opportunity to teach them about their local church, the role of a Bishop and our own roles as Baptised members of the faith!
On Friday evening 20th January at 7.30pm in St Mary’s Cathedral the faithful of the Diocese will gather to celebrate an evening prayer with Fr Niall. During this simple ceremony the symbols of his office will be blessed: the pectoral cross, the ring and his pastoral staff. The Cathedral and Diocesan Choir will lead the music at this beautiful ceremony.
On Sunday 22nd at 3pm over 800 people will gather in St Mary’s Cathedral for the Ordination ceremony. The Principal celebrant will be Archbishop Dermot Farrell of Dublin and the co-consecrators will be Bishop Denis Nulty Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin who for these past two years sewred also as Apostolic Administrator of Ossory and Bishop Alan McGuckian SJ of Raphoe Diocese, Fr Niall’s home Diocese.
The ceremony will be live streamed on the St Mary’s Cathedral website – www.stmaryscathedral.ie We hold Bishop-elect Niall in our prayers.
