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On 10th April 2024, Bishop Kevin Doran was appointed Apostolic Administrator of Achonry, while remaining Bishop of Elphin. The Apostolic Nuncio said “To meet the evolving needs of the Church in the ecclesiastical Province of Tuam, it is necessary to envisage a gradual process of reorganisation, which will, it is hoped, give added impetus and vitality to the communities concerned. 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”.
On 16th February 2025, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Kevin as Bishop of Achonry while remaining Bishop of Elphin, thereby joining the two dioceses of Achonry and Elphin “in persona episcopi” (in the person of the bishop). Bishop Kevin was installed as Bishop of Achonry on 30th March 2025.
In every Diocese the Bishop is called to be a sign and a means of unity.  It is his responsibility to gather together the people of God.  When two Dioceses are joined like this “in the person of the Bishop”, it tells us that the two Dioceses have a unique relationship which goes beyond just being close neighbours.  Through his ministry of teaching, administration and celebrating the Eucharist and the other Sacraments, the Bishop is called to be a sign and a servant of that new and deeper communion.  Each Diocese still retains its own unique identity, but gradually over the next few years, while respecting the culture and the history and the unique gifts of each, the two dioceses will become one diocese.

A Prayer for the Dioceses of Achonry and Elphin

Lord Jesus,
you came among us proclaiming the Word of Life,
and giving us an example of loving service.

In Baptism, you have made me
a member of your body, the Church.
Help me to recognise the gifts that you have given me
and the particular service to which you have called me.
Help me to recognise also the gifts and ministries of others,
so that, together, we may work for the building up of your body.

As we walk the road that leads to a deeper relationship
between our two Dioceses,
walk with us, Lord Jesus.
Open our hearts to your Word.

May the Spirit whom you promised
as the Advocate to be with us always,
strengthen us with many gifts,
and draw us closer to one another and to you,
who live and reign, for ever and ever. Amen

Mary, Mother of the Church – Pray for us
Saint Asicus – Pray for us
Saint Attracta – Pray for us
Saint Eithne – Pray for us
Saint Fidelma – Pray for us
Saint Nathy – Pray for us

Pastoral Message Autumn 2025

Pastoral Message December 2025