MONAGHAN, Ireland, MAY 6, 2010 (Zenit.org).- Benedict XVI appointed Monsignor Liam MacDaid, chancellor of the Diocese of Clogher, Ireland, as bishop of that diocese.
Bishop-elect MacDaid, 64, was named to succeed Bishop Joseph Duffy, 76, who retired for reasons of age, the Vatican press office reported today.
The bishop-elect, upon hearing of his appointment, stated: «I am deeply humbled and honored to be chosen for this difficult ministry to our people. It is however encouraging to know that where God’s grace is allowed to work, all things are possible and the weak find strength.»
«I am confident that in the ministry of our priests and in the witness of our faithful people, God’s word can be spoken, heard and lived,» he said.
Bishop-elect MacDaid affirmed: «We owe this responsibility to our children and our young people. They need the guidance of God’s Word and the nourishment of the Eucharist. God’s Spirit will lead us there.»
Born in Bundoran, Ireland, Liam MacDaid was ordained a priest in 1969. He has been serving as chancellor since 1994.
The Diocese of Clogher has some 86,500 Catholics, served by 85 priests and 140 religious.
Derry Diocese
Also today, the Vatican announced that the Pope accepted the resignation of Bishop Francis Lagan, 75, auxiliary of the Diocese of Derry, who retired for reasons of age.
The president of the Irish bishops’ conference, Cardinal Sean Brady, released a statement today in response to the news from the Vatican, in which he acknowledged the contribution of Bishop Duffy and Bishop Lagan.
«Between them they have served their dioceses and the bishops’ conference for a total of 53 years (Bishop Duffy, 31 years and Bishop Lagan, 22 years),» the cardinal noted.
He continued: «During their time as bishops they have witnessed the terrible violence and tragedies which were part of the troubles. Thankfully in recent years they have witnessed the peace which has come to this part of Ireland.
«I want to pay tribute to them for their work in preaching about and striving for peace and harmony here in Northern Ireland.»
Cardinal Brady also congratulated Bishop-elect MacDaid on his appointment, affirming that «as a native son he is well aware of the deep faith of the people of the diocese first shepherded by St. Macartan.»
He added, «They are a people whom he has served faithfully as a priest since ordination and on whose prayers and loyal support he can now most certainly count.»
