Athlone native will be ordained bishop this weekend

Athlone native Fr Ray Browne will be ordained as the new Bishop of Kerry this weekend.

A large Athlone representation is expected to travel to attend the ceremony in St Mary’s Cathedral, Killarney, at 3pm on Sunday.

Originally from Magazine Road, Athlone, Fr Browne, who was previously Parish Priest in Ballagh, Co. Roscommon, was appointed the new Bishop of Kerry at the beginning of May by Pope Francis.

One of a family of seven, two of Fr Browne’s sisters still live in the Athlone area and he is regular visitor to the area.

On Sunday, the principal ordaining bishop will be Archbishop Dermot Clifford, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly, assisted by His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles J. Brown and Bishop William Murphy, Bishop of Kerry.

The ordination will be concelebrated by His Eminence Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland and Rev Professor Séamus O’Connell will preach the homily.

The proceedings will be streamed live on the Diocesan website (dioceseofkerry.ie)

Radio Kerry will also broadcast the ordination ceremony live, from 3pm to 5pm, and this can be accessed via their website.