Dublin priest appointed Bishop-elect in Elphin

Dublin-based priest Fr Kevin Doran has been appointed today as the new Bishop-elect in the diocese of Elphin, which covers the westside of Athlone and South Roscommon. He takes over from retiring Bishop Christopher Jones.


Speaking at a ceremony this morning in Sligo, retiring Bishop Christopher Jones said: This morning it gives me great joy to announce that Pope Francis has now appointed Father Kevin Doran of the Archdiocese of Dublin to succeed me as Bishop of Elphin.  This is great news for our diocese because Father Kevin Doran brings with him many unique gifts and talents.”


“All of us will remember the great responsibility he carried as Secretary General of the 50th International Eucharistic Congress in 2012.  The Congress was a huge success under the leadership and guidance of Fr Kevin.”


Born in 1953, he went on to study for the priesthood at the Holy Cross Seminary in Dublin and later at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome. He was ordained priest in July 1977 and so he has been a priest for thirty seven years. Father Kevin has many qualifications including an M.A. and Ph.D in Philosophy.


“Father Kevin comes to our diocese with a wide range of experience in teaching, chaplaincy, medical ethics and bioethics.  He was Spiritual Director at the Irish College Rome and taught in the Mater Dei Institute.  Indeed as Spiritual Director in the Irish College in Rome he would have known seminarians who are now priests in our diocese.  At different times he served as National and indeed European Coordinator of Vocations for the priesthood and religious life,” Bishop Jones commented.


Fr Kevin was appointed Consultor by Pope John Paul II to the Congregation for Catholic Education in Rome. He also served as Parish Priest of Glendalough Parish, Chaplain at Saint Vincent De Paul Parish, Marino, Diocesan Director of the Permanent Diaconate and, most recently, Administrator of the Sacred Heart Parish in Donnybrook.  As Director of the Permanent Diaconate for Dublin Father Kevin worked with our own permanent deacons from Elphin in the initial stages of their formation programme.
“So you can see Father Kevin comes with great gifts and talents together with experience in many different ministries.  I know you will welcome him with great warmth and joy, and that all of us priests, religious and laity will give him huge support as he leads the Diocese of Elphin into the future,” Bishop Jones concluded.
Cardinal Sean Brady also welcomed the appointment of Fr Doran as the new Bishop-elect of the diocese of Elphin today.


“I wish Bishop-elect Doran all God’s blessings as he begins a new and challenging chapter as chief shepherd of the people of God in the Diocese of Elphin. Having worked closely with him in the Pontifical Irish College, Rome, where he served as Spiritual Director,  I am confident Bishop-elect Kevin has the qualities needed to nurture the faith of those entrusted to his pastoral care,” the Primate for All Ireland enthused.