Concerns over lack of new priests but delight for Dr Neary as Archdiocese ordains first deacons
The decline in the number of priests is a source of concern for the retiring Archbishop of Tuam – speaking ahead of his successor’s installation this weekend.
However, Dr Michael Neary also said that they were blessed to have been able to celebrate the first ordination of lay permanent deacons in the diocese recently.
But he stressed that the influx of priests from overseas had been vital in the operation of the Archdiocese.
It will be momentous occasion next weekend when the newly appointed Archbishop of Tuam Francis Duffy will be installed.
Senior members of the clergy will converge on Tuam this Sunday as Dr Duffy replaces the man who served 27 years in the post.
The new Archbishop from County Cavan will be installed at a ceremony in Tuam Cathedral next Sunday – and he said that he is looking forward to the appointment.
Archbishop Neary told the Connacht Tribune that he had relished his time meeting people, whether it be at confirmations or visiting holy shrines in various parts of the archdiocese, but is looking forward to the future.
He said that while he was energised by the challenges placed on him in his retirement, he would continue to encourage those interested to fulfil a role in the Church.
“While the number of priests has been declining steadily in recent years, we have found ourselves in a position to welcome priests from India,” he said.
“These Indian priests have brought a great sense of mission to our diocese and helped to open up our diocese to a new culture and new ways of spirituality and the expression of the spiritual.
“They have received a warm welcome from the clergy and in the parishes where they have been appointed, and we are indebted to them for the generous way in which they share their charisms,” Archbishop Neary added.
Cavan-native Bishop Francis Duffy studied for the priesthood at Saint Patrick’s College Maynooth and was ordained in the diocese of Kilmore in June 1982.
He taught at Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan, and was appointed principal of Fatima and St Felim’s Secondary School, Ballinamore in Leitrim in 1996.
After twelve years, he was appointed Diocesan Secretary and Financial Administrator and Chancellor and during that time he was resident priest in the parish of Laragh, County Cavan.
In July 2013, he was appointed Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise. He was chosen by Pope Francis to replace Archbishop Neary.
The Archdiocese of Tuam is renowned for the International Eucharistic and Marian Shrine at Knock, for the annual Croagh Patrick Reek Sunday pilgrimage as well as Ballintubber Abbey.
The appointment is one of the most significant roles in the Irish Church. Archbishop Michael Neary was the longest serving member of the Irish hierarchy before he tendered his resignation to the Pope during 2021 on turning 75.