Archbishop Duffy has 'hope' for future

The newly installed Archbishop of Tuam, Francis Duffy, hopes his arrival in one of the largest ecclesiastical territories in Ireland will bring with it a sense of “hope”.

“‘Hope’ is important, it is one thing that faith brings to us, that Jesus brings us hope, particularly in these times when there is such uncertainty and disruption to normal life.”

Archbishop Duffy says that he received a lot of “good wishes” from places he had previously served as a priest - in Laragh and Ballinamore - and later as Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnoise sitting in Longford.

He also received plenty of support from his native Bawnboy and Templeport too, with Archbishop Duffy’s own family among the small gathering allowed to attend the official installation at the Cathedral of the Assumption, Tuam, last Sunday.

When the Celt spoke with Archbishop Duffy today (Tuesday), it was only his second full day in the role and he was preparing to visit the clergy of the Diocese.

“Get around, and get to know the place. It’s a big area, stretching right out to the sea to the islands, and right up to Mayo.”

He says of his installation that change can be “demanding”, but that it can also be “a positive experience and energising”.

“In a sense it’s starting again, but in another sense you’re bringing with you all the experience that you’ve learned before. It’s a good thing, because there is this energy that comes with it, and an opportunity to build on what you’ve already done.”

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