By Katie Ascough - 20 March, 2020
Bishop-elect Fr Paul Dempsey (right) with Bishop Nulty (left)
Fr Paul Dempsey PP, Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Achonry, has issued a statement regarding his recent appointment as Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Achonry.
He states that it is with regret that he must postpone his Episcopal Ordination as Bishop of Achonry, which was planned for Sunday 19 April. “I requested the postponement in light of the coronavirus pandemic,” he said. He has asked for the ceremony to be rescheduled for some time in the summer. “This decision has been difficult but it would not have been appropriate to proceed with the ordination at this time,” Bishop-elect Dempsey said.
The decision was made in consultation with the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, and with the Diocese of Achonry. “I am grateful to Archbishop Okolo and to the priests, religious and faithful of the Diocese of Achonry for their patience and understanding as we deal with the unprecedented consequences of COVID-19 in our country and in our world.
“I am grateful to Bishop Denis Nulty, Bishop of Kildare & Leighlin, who has asked me to continue for the moment as parish priest in Newbridge Parish.
“I ask for your prayers at this time for all those affected by the coronavirus pandemic,” he concluded.
