The new bishop elect of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise hopes more people will follow their vocation into the priesthood.
It was announced today that Mullingar native Paul Connell will become the new bishop for the diocese, 15 months after Francis Duffy was installed as Archbishop of Tuam.
Commenting on the low number of people studying for religious life and the role of lay people in the church, Bishop elect Connell noted the importance of lay people's support to their priest.
He stated the congregation have a role in the preservation of the faith and vocations come from that community.
Speaking to Shannonside FM the former St. Finian's president encouraged people to follow their calling into religious life.
"It's very important that we all pray for vocations and that we encourage young people. I look in the seminary in Maynooth, I'm based in Maynooth at the moment, or I was, I have to get used to the fact that I'm not there anymore! When I look at the seminarians, I just think about how brave they are to be taking on that role in what is a very counter-cultural thing, but there are young people out there who have the capacity and the willingness and I'd encourage them to follow their vocation"
The news of the appointment of the new bishop for the diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise has been welcomed by mass goers at St. Mel's Cathedral in Longford this morning.
"It's wonderful to have this new Bishop. It means we'll be able to continue the assembly and synodal process that we've been going through for the last couple of years, so we're looking forward very much to a whole new chapter in the synodal story"
"White smoke we have at last after 15 months! We're all wishing him all the best"
"It's great at last to have somebody in charge. We got on good enough without but at the same time it's good to have somebody"
