Virus outbreak delays the ordination of Bishop
FATHER Paul Dempsey, Bishop-elect of the Diocese of Achonry has postponed his ordination and he will remain on as parish priest in County Kildare at least until the summer.
In a statement issued on Thursday, Father Dempsey said: “It is with regret that we have had to postpone my Episcopal Ordination as Bishop of Achonry which was planned for Sunday 19 April.
“I requested the postponement in light of the coronavirus pandemic. I have asked that the ceremony be rescheduled until sometime in the summer. This decision has been difficult but it would not have been appropriate to proceed with the ordination at this time.
“The decision has been made in consultation with the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland His Excellency Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okola, 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 and 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.” Fr Dempsey was born in Carlow town and then, when he was seven, his family moved to Athy in Co Kildare, where he lived until he was eighteen.
all of his life as a priest over the past twenty-two years has been spent serving in County Kildare and is presently working in Newbridge parish.
Father Dermot Meehan has been administrating the diocese of Achonry since Bishop Brendan Kelly was appointed to Galway almost two years ago. Father Dempsey’s brother, Tony lives in Kiltimagh along with his wife Mary and family,
The annoucement of the appointment of Father Dempsey as the new Bishop of Achonry was made at the end of January.
“Most of my life as a priest has been in parish ministry as well as youth and vocations work and some local media involvement. I hope the experience gained in these areas will help me in my ministry in the Diocese of Achonry.”