New Archbishop of Tuam pledges to work with people to address declining vocations

Archbishop Francis Duffy is installed at celebration of mass

The most Reverend Francis Duffy is being installed as Archbishop of Tuam in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, during a celebration of Mass around now.

A native of west Cavan, he succeeds Archbishop Michael Neary who was appointed Archbishop of Tuam in January 1995.

The Mass in a live-stream on https://www.tuamparish.com/web-cam.

The installation takes place on the feast of the Baptism of the lord in the river Jordan.

In his homily, the newly installed archbishop reminds the congregation "baptism marks us out as followers of Christ".

Archbishop Duffy reminds: "It is a key moment, a moment of welcome and of acceptance and of being at home in Christ’s family."

He acknowledges too the warm welcome he has received from his predecessor and the people of the Archdiocese of Tuam.

Recalling the morning of November 10 when he was welcomed by Archbishop Neary, Archbishop Duffy recalls: "I also said that morning that 'I follow in the footsteps of a true shepherd who has led this diocese with great wisdom, sensitivity, and faithfulness for 27 years as Archbishop'. The more I learn about Tuam and the more I know Archbishop Michael’s work, the more I appreciate the breadth and depth of his shepherding and leadership."

He praised his predecessor, in particular, for the work he carried out in the area of safeguarding.

Looking forward, Archbishop Duffy said he hopes to work to address the continuing decline in vocations to the Church.

"This is not because of any diminishment of what people think of priests and their work. If anything, the value put on priests’ pastoral work, and liturgies, and the appreciation of their presence, is higher than ever," he remarked.

"Yet, the decline continues. Consequently, there are not enough priests to maintain the present parish arrangements. Structures have already been modified to meet the current needs and more changes will be necessary building on good developments that have already taken place and also to accommodate and facilitate very positive new developments that will arise," continued the newly-installed archbishop in his homily.

Archbishop Duffy said the future of the Catholic Church depends on parishioners, in partnership with the clergy. "It depends on your faith, your enthusiasm and on how the Holy Spirit moves through you. That is part of the baptism call of every person, not just clergy or religious, but of all the baptised."

Referring to the Synodal Pathway developed by Pope Francis, Bishop Duffy said it is not an instant solution but the way to go.

"Many dioceses continue to travel that road, it isn’t always easy, it can be challenging and it can be energising. The Holy Spirit is present and who knows where that combination of listening, walking together and prayer and discerning will lead? It presents a way being Church and of living out our baptism. It is not an instant solution. We have to remember it is a pathway not a runway. But, it is the way to go," said the west Cavan native.

Acknowledging the path already travelled for many years in the Diocese of Tuam, Archbishop Duffy said: "That synodal way has been at parish level, that is where it has to start. It is a pathway, a journey accompanied by a great variety of people. We will continue, listening, discerning and planning as we walk together and with the Holy Spirit; I see no alternative."

Archbishop Duffy noted that the area is rich is promoting the practice of pilgrimage - mentioning Knock, Croagh Patrick, Máméan and Ballintubber Abbey in particular.

"I look forward to engaging with you in this valuable dimension of the culture and spirit of the area," he said.

Willing to listen

Again looking to the future, Archbishop Duffy said: "In November I stated 'to move forward we must listen to all who have been hurt by their experience of Church'. When he came on pilgrimage to Knock in 2018, Pope Francis spoke of this too, and he said 'this open wound challenges us to be firm and decisive in the pursuit of truth and justice'. Truth and justice are important and, in pursuit of both, I am willing to listen and to learn."

Referring to the reduced number of guests at the installation service due to the ongoing pandemic, Archbishop Duffy said, for many, it has been a "terrible journey" due to the Coronavirus.

"Many people have suffered greatly during the last two years. Sadly, for some there has been death and bereavement, illness, loss of employment, risks and isolation. The experience of the lockdowns, the continuing threat and the restrictions have had a very negative impact on many people. We have also witnessed good neighbourliness, and those who continue with essential services and help keep us safe and keep life going as normally as possible," he said.

"Even though there are small numbers here today and there are many watching on the Cathedral’s livestream, and I warmly welcome you and I thank you for your prayers and for being with us," said Archbishop Duffy, before thanking His Excellency, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the Holy Father’s representative in Ireland, for his encouragement; his brother bishops and priests; and her parents Frank and Mary Catherine Duffy of Port, his wider family and friends; and all those he worked with in Cavan and Leitrim and more recently in Ardagh and Clonmacnois.

He quoted Jeremiah: “I know the plans I have in mind for you. Plans for peace … reserving a future full of hope for you” (Jer. 29:11)

Archbishop Duffy then ended by asking people to pray for him and his ministry.

Goodbye

Bishop Duffy celebrated mass in St Mel's Cathedral, Longford, las Sunday, with Apostolic Nuncio Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo in attendance, along with Bishop Emeritus Colm O”Reilly whom he replaced as Bishop in Ardagh and Clonmacnois in 2013.

“The time has come for me to say “goodbye” to Ardagh and Clonmacnois and to Longford, after eight years as bishop, I thank all those who assisted me in so many different ways,” he said.

He praised the work of diocesan officials and parishioners for their dedication in spreading the word of God and encouraging participation with the church.

Turn westwards

“When I arrived here in 2013 this cathedral was still a building site but nearing the end of the restoration. I recall the palpable emotion of people as they returned at Christmas 2014 to this much loved place of worship. Again, I acknowledge the dedicated work of the Cathedral Project Committee and all associated with this tremendous undertaking.

“And so I turn westwards from the midlands and cross the Shannon to Tuam, as I do so I say thank you, míle buíochas, God bless, slán agus beannacht.”