Local bishop to administer extra diocese

The current Bishop of Elphin Kevin Doran has been appointed by Pope Francis as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Achonry.

Bishop Doran's Elphin diocese covers much of Roscommon, including the westside Athlone parish of St Peter and Paul's (including Drum and Clonown), Kiltoom, Knockcroghery/St John's/Rahara, Kiltoom, Ballyforan/Dysart/Tisrara and Athleague

His appointment today to the extended post happens alongside the appointment of thee Archbishop of Tuam Francis Duffy as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Killala.

Archbishop Duffy is the former Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise.

The Catholic Church has explained that the moves came about due to the retirement of Bishop John Fleming, by reason of age, and due to the episcopal reassignment of Bishop Paul Dempsey, who will now become  Auxiliary Bishop in the Archdiocese of Dublin.

As a result the Dioceses of Killala and Achonry have become vacant Episcopal Sees entrusted to the pastoral care of their respective Apostolic Administrator.

The Catholic Church said: “In due time, and following careful assessment and consultation, the present Dioceses of Tuam and Killala on the one hand, and Elphin and Achonry on the other, may be governed by one Bishop in each case, just as the Dioceses of Galway and Clonfert are today governed by one Bishop.  If this process evolves still further, the associated Dioceses may then merge fully under their Bishop, and, in this way, the six Dioceses in the Province of Tuam will eventually become three.”