As the number of priests in the diocese grows smaller, Bishop Gavin said: “We need to actively go out of our way to encourage, foster, nourish and promote vocations to the priesthood and consecrated life.”

“While we are all aware of the great challenges facing the Church and society at this time, we know also that God the all-powerful is always with us. These formation figures released today offer us a sign of hope,” said Bishop Alphonsus Cullinan, Chair of the Bishops’ Council for Vocations.

“The pitch-dark chapel will be illuminated by hundreds of individual candles held aloft by congregation members, all of them lit from the Paschal Candle which will itself be lit from the Paschal Fire situated outside the College Chapel” – Fr Tomás Surlis, Rector.

Msgr Kelly, formerly the vicar general and parish priest of Killsherdany and Drung, Co. Cavan, said he was honoured to accept his new role, and would endeavour to serve the diocese until a new bishop is appointed.

Change and uncertainty should not cause Catholics to turn in on themselves and develop a siege mentality or rush for comfort to what is familiar, but to reach out and change men and women into people who reflect the God of love revealed in Jesus Christ – Archbishop Diarmuid Martin.

“Our role as music ministers, as music missionaries, is simply to bring the very best of our gifts, as Seán and Peadar have done, to the task of praising God, and then to leave the rest to God and the power of the Spirit to move others and build up their faith.”

They prayed that the survivors, their families and loved ones may find strength and healing in their faith and receive the support of compassionate caregivers as they begin to recover from the trauma of their physical and emotional wounds.

Fr Mullaney has served as Registrar, Vice President and most recently Acting President of Saint Patrick’s College, and has also helped out as a curate in the parish of Holycross/Ballycahill at weekends.

The bishops offered prayers for those who have died, for the injured and for the emergency services who responded to the scene of the fire at Grenfell Tower in North Kensington, London.

Three honourees recognised for their contribution to the continuation of the work and mission of St Columban in the 21st century.

Former CDF Prefect gives catechesis address in Maynooth.