I warmly welcome the appointment of Father Ger Nash of the Diocese of Killaloe as my successor as Bishop of Ferns.
I know that the people of Ferns, priests, religious, and lay faithful will welcome him too, and make him feel at home in their midst.
I heartily congratulate him on his appointment and trust that he will be happy in his new surroundings in the south-east.
I have only met Father Ger once when he spoke to our priests a couple of years ago, so I look forward to getting to know him better when he is installed as bishop and takes up residence here.
I wish to assure him that I will be available to assist him in any way I can as he gets to know the diocese and its people as Bishop in the weeks and months ahead.
Bishop-Elect Nash begins his ministry in Ferns at a time which poses many choices and challenges for the Church but at a time which is also blessed by possibility.
His ministry as a priest in the Diocese of Killaloe, especially his work in the area of pastoral development and renewal will have prepared him for the task ahead.
I wish him every blessing and happiness in his new role as Bishop of Ferns.
Finally, I would like to thank Archbishop Okolo, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, for the time and work he has so generously given to overseeing the transition in our diocese, and for his presence with us today.