A 51-year old Derryman
will move a step closer to becoming leader of the
Catholic Church in Ireland with his ordination as
coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh this Sunday.
Monsignor Eamon Martin will succeed Cardinal Sean
Brady who officially retires next year at the age of
75.
A large number of senior clergy, family and friends
are expected at the invitation-only ordination
ceremony in St Patrick's Cathedral, Armagh, at 3pm.
The new assistant archbishop, who has been caretaker
Bishop of Derry since 2011, will greet people on the
steps of the cathedral after his ordination.
Good wishes have flowed for the popular clergyman on
his elevation to Catholic Primate-in-waiting despite
his relatively young age.
His Church of Ireland counterpart in Derry, Bishop
Ken Good, described him as a "visionary" with
"strong people skills".
"It has been a pleasure to work closely with
Monsignor Martin in this city and diocese. In his
ministry he combines visionary leadership with
strong people skills. His deep, personal faith in
Christ is winsome and his openness to working with
those of other Christian traditions is refreshing,"
said Bishop Good.
"I feel sure that his considerable gifts will equip
him well for the work to which he has been called in
Armagh."
Monsignor Martin’s episcopal ring, mitre and crozier
will be blessed at vespers in the cathedral on the
eve of his ordination.
Monsignor Martin, who was born into a family of 12
in Pennyburn, Derry, was ordained a priest in 1987.
He has degrees in mathematical science, theology and
philosophy and has taught extensively. He likes
walking, gardening and has a keen interest in music,
particularly Gregorian chant. He is also a former
executive secretary of the Irish Catholic Bishops'
Conference.
One of his first duties as coadjutor archbishop will
be to celebrate a public mass of thanksgiving at St
Patrick's Cathedral on Monday, April 22, at 7.30pm.
The ordination will be streamed live online at
www.archdioceseofarmagh.com |
