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Derry Diocese celebrates new
Catholic Primate
09.09.14
CATHOLIC priests and
parishioners in the Derry Diocese have been sending
messages of goodwill to the new Primate of
All-Ireland, Archbishop Eamon Martin. Pope Francis
yesterday accepted the resignation of Cardinal Sean
Brady, after he reached the age limit of 75.
Derry city-born Archbishop Martin (52) was ordained
coadjutor archbishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh in
April 2013.
He had previously been caretaker Bishop of Derry
since 2011.
Good wishes have flowed for the popular clergyman
since his elevation to Catholic Primate despite his
relatively young age.
His Church of Ireland counterpart in Derry, Bishop
Ken Good, previously described him as a "visionary"
with "strong people skills".
"I feel sure that his considerable gifts will equip
him well for the work to which he has been called in
Armagh," he said.
Archbishop Martin’s episcopal ring, mitre and
crozier were blessed at vespers in the cathedral on
the eve of his ordination. |
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The then Monsignor Eamon Martin at
his election as Derry Diocese administrator back in
2011 with, from left, Mgr Joseph Donnelly, Mgr
Bryan McCanny, Fr Patrick McGoldrick, Fr Michael
Canny, Mgr Eamon Martin (Diocesan Administrator), Fr
John Farren, Fr Francis Bradley and Fr John Cargan. |
Born into a family of
12 in Pennyburn, Derry, Archbishop Martin was
ordained a priest in 1987. He has degrees in
mathematical science, theology and philosophy and
has taught extensively. He likes walking, gardening
and has a keen interest in music, particularly
Gregorian chant. He is also a former executive
secretary of the Irish Catholic Bishops' Conference
and former president of St Columb's College, Derry.
The Derry Diocese has sent good wishes to the new
Catholic Primate.
"The priests and the people of Derry, his native
diocese, wish him every blessing in his ministry," a
spokesperson said in a statement. |
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