'A step into the unknown': Dermot Farrell on his appointment as bishop

It was with enormous surprise that I received Pope Francis’ invitation to serve the priests and people of the Diocese of Ossory as bishop.  I am humbled by this call from the Church.  I have been a priest for over 37 years; half of that time in parish ministry where I have always been very happy and fulfilled.  Of course, this is why I became a priest in the first instance: to work with people, in their service, in the service of the Lord, and of his gospel, of Christ’s good news about God, about us, and about our world.

 This request was made to me a few days before Christmas, a time when Mary’s “yes” to God fills the Scripture readings of those final days of Advent.  What strikes me is Mary’s courage, and her trust in the word of the angel.  She is perplexed, she wonders what this greeting might mean, and yet she trusts in the goodness of God, and in God’s providence.  She steps into the unknown. 

Like Mary’s decision, and most major decisions in life, being called to be a bishop is also a step into the unknown.  If we are honest, to be called to be a bishop in the Ireland of today is even more a step into the unknown.  It is also a call to trust in the Lord, and in providence of God.  I am glad to accept the call to serve here in Ossory, to be a pastor in this place, and in this community of faith.  

Every person lives with mystery.  None of us can predict how what happens today will influence and affect our future or the future of others.  Part of being people of faith is trusting that, in God’s hands, our lives will bear fruit.  It was this way for God’s own Son who on the cross prayed, “into your hands I commend my spirit.” This was the very prayer of Stephen - the Protomartyr or “First Witness” to Jesus and his way.  It is for that very reason that the Church celebrates Stephen on the day after Christmas Day.  It is Christ who enables us to walk in the mystery of our lives (see John 14:5–6).  It is he who is our hope and our peace. 

Embracing this new role means that I will have a great deal to learn in the years ahead.  It is going to take time.  I will need the help and guidance of all the people of Ossory, the people in the parishes, my sisters and brothers in ministry, and our sisters and brothers in the other Christian churches and communities.  The service of communion includes recognising or discerning the diverse gifts which the Spirit has given to everyone making it possible for those gifts to be developed and placed at the service of all.

From my time working at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, I had contact with many people from the Diocese.  Over the years, I made many trips to this beautiful city and its surrounds.  The names of many places were emblazoned in my mind by the commentaries of Mícheál O’Hehir and Mícheál Ó Muircheartaigh - places like Ballyhale, Clara, Dunamaggan, Freshford, Glenmore, Tullaroan—linked the names of the great Kilkenny hurlers down the years to their clubs most of which coincide with the names of parishes.   In this context, I shouldn’t omit Seir Kieran which has produced its own share of renowned Offaly hurlers.  

I am delighted to see Monsignor Michael Ryan and many of the priests of the diocese here this morning.  I know from speaking with Monsignor Ryan and from my own experience, how generous you are in your service and I look forward very much to working closely with you. 

I would like to take this opportunity to thank Archbishop Jude Okolo, the Papal Nuncio, and Monsignor Piotr Tarnawski, Chargé d’Affaires at the Apostolic Nunciature for their kindness and their advice during these past weeks.  I am particularly grateful to Monsignor Michael Ryan for his warm welcome and encouragement.  I’m sure that I will be calling on his wisdom and experience in the months ahead. 

As you will understand, there is a certain sadness in leaving my own home diocese of Meath, and in particular, the parish of Dunboyne & Kilbride and its people, among whom I have been very fulfilled in my pastoral ministry.

I am very grateful to Bishop Michael Smith, and his predecessor, Bishop John McCormack, for the trust they have placed in me over the years.  Especially, I thank Bishop Smith for his support and encouragement over the years.

I would be grateful if you would remember me in your prayer as I begin my ministry as bishop, among you and with you.   Echoing the closing prayer of today’s Mass might provide a fruitful direction for us: 

May your people, O Lord,
whom you guide and sustain,
know the healing which you alone can give,
that, with the consolation of things that pass away,
we may strive with ever deepening trust for the things that last forever.

May the Lord keep us all in his care. Saint Kieran and Saint Canice, pray for us. 

Monsignor Dermot Farrell 
Bishop-Elect of Ossory.

 

Archbishop Eamon Martin welcomes the appointment of Monsignor Dermot Farrell as Bishop of Ossory

Following the appointment today by the Holy Father Pope Francis of Monsignor Dermot Farrell as the new Bishop of Ossory, Archbishop Eamon Martin has published the following statement:

“I warmly welcome the appointment today by Pope Francis of Monsignor Dermot Farrell as Bishop of Ossory.  Today marks a significant new step in his vocational journey and he will be encouraged by the prayerful support of his family, friends and faithful, especially in the diocese of Ossory and in his home diocese of Meath.  Bishop-elect Farrell has already shown great commitment to his priestly calling in a variety of pastoral settings.  He has developed gifts and skills which, with the help of God’s grace, will enrich his service to the people, priests and religious in his new diocese.  His theological expertise as well as his wide experience of administration, pastoral ministry and seminary Formation will also benefit our discussions at the episcopal conference as we consider how to best serve the present and future needs of the Church in Ireland.  I look forward to working with him and wish him wisdom and every blessing.

“I would like to take this opportunity to thank Monsignor Michael Ryan for his dedication to the role of Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory since the retirement of Bishop Seamus Freeman in 2016 due to ill health. 

“My thoughts and prayers are also with Bishop Seamus Freeman today, and with Bishop Laurence Forristal, who retired as Bishop of Ossory in 2007.  I assure them both of my prayers for continued strength and good health in retirement.”

 

Statement of Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan on the appointment of Monsignor Dermot Farrell 

Following the appointment today by the Holy Father Pope Francis of Monsignor Dermot Farrell as the new Bishop of Ossory, Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan has published the following statement:

“I am delighted with the appointment of Monsignor Dermot Farrell as the new Bishop of our neighbouring diocese, Ossory.  I have known Monsignor Dermot in Maynooth for a brief spell and his exemplary conduct impressed us greatly in the college.  Monsignor Dermot was a very diligent pastor in Dunboyne in County Meath after his time in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and he brought many new initiatives and a very strong work ethic to his role as parish priest there.  Monsignor Dermot is a very fine scholar and is blessed with a very keen intellect.  I am sure he will lead his diocese wisely and with great pastoral care.  I have no doubt that the people of Ossory will be delighted with their new Bishop.  I wish him every blessing as he takes on the role of Bishop in these challenging times.  But, we are conscious that we rely on the Holy Spirit who can do all things.  

“I would like to wish Bishop Emeritus Seamus Freeman every blessing also and congratulate him for all the good that he achieved during his time as Bishop.  We keep him in our prayers as he battles with ill health.  

“I also wish to congratulate Monsignor Michael Ryan for all that he did during his time as Diocesan Administrator in the absence of a bishop for the diocese.   Along with a very busy parish he took on the role of administrator with enthusiasm and commitment.  

“On behalf of the priests and people of the Diocese of Waterford and Lismore I wish Monsignor Dermot the traditional ad multos annos.”