POPE FRANCIS APPOINTS FR MARTIN HAYES AS NEW BISHOP OF KILMORE
On Monday 29 June 2020, the Solemnity of SS. Peter and Paul, Pope Francis appointed Fr. Martin Hayes, a priest of the Archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, as the new Bishop of Kilmore. A celebration of Mass took place in the Cathedral of St. Patrick and St. Felim in Cavan during which the formal announcement was made by His Excellency, the Papal Nuncio to Ireland, Most Reverend Jude Thaddeus Okolo. In addition to Fr Martin Hayes, the other concelebrants were Most Reverend Kieran O’Reilly SMA (Archbishop of Cashel & Emly), Most Reverend Leo O’Reilly (Bishop Emeritus of Kilmore), Monsignor Liam Kelly (Kilmore Diocesan Administrator), and Very Reverend James Purcell (PP, Thurles Cathedral Parish). Also in the Sanctuary were Rev. Kevin Fay (Administrator, Cavan Cathedral Parish) and Rev. Peter Okpetu MSP (CC Cavan). Rev. Thomas Small was deacon. Priests of the Kilmore Diocese were also in attendance. Photographs are courtesy of John McElroy
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Bishop-Elect, Father Martin Hayes
Monsignor Liam Kelly addresses the congregation
The Papal Nuncio addresses the congregation
A view of the congregation observing social distancing protocols
The Bishop-Elect with Monsignor Kelly at the press conference after the Mass
The Bishop-Elect is greeted by well-wishes after the Mass with Archbishop Okolo to the left and Monsignor Kelly to the right.
Brendan Smith TD greets the Bishop-Elect
The Bishop-Elect with Cllr. Sarah O’Reilly, Cathaoirleach of Cavan County Council
The Bishop-Elect with members of his immediate family
