Pope Francis has appointed Archbishop Eamon Martin, Metropolitan Archbishop of the ecclesiastical province of Armagh, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore with immediate effect, from Monday, April 15, 2019.
In response to the news Bishop Philip Boyce OCD (79), who has served the Diocese of Dromore as its Apostolic Administrator from March 26, 2018, until today, said, “I am very happy to welcome Archbishop Eamon Martin as the new Apostolic Administrator of Dromore. I wish to thank the people and clergy for their prayers, goodwill, encouragement and unstinting support over the last year. While I am looking forward to my retirement, I remain available to pastorally support Archbishop Martin, and Dromore, in any way that I can.”
Archbishop Eamon Martin said, “The Holy Father has asked me to take over the role of Apostolic Administrator from Bishop Boyce whilst continuing with my role as Archbishop of Armagh. I am humbled by Pope Francis’ request and grateful for his confidence in me. It will be an honor for me to serve the people, priests and religious of Dromore during this transitional time for the diocese. Please pray for me as I take up this new responsibility.”
Archbishop Martin will celebrate the annual Mass of Chrism for the priests and people of the Diocese of Dromore at 10:30 am this Holy Thursday in the Cathedral of Saint Patrick & Saint Colman, Newry, and the Easter Sunday Mass at 10.00am, also in the cathedral.
Please see below the letter of Archbishop Eamon Martin to the people, clergy and religious of the Diocese of Dromore which has been published today.
