Bishop Philip Boyce The man charged with running the Diocese of Dromore following the resignation of controversial Bishop John McAreavey has pledged to try to bring healing to those who have been hurt.
Bishop Philip Boyce was appointed by Pope Francis on Monday to lead the diocese after the Pontiff accepted Dr McAreavey’s resignation. Dr McAreavey had been under intense pressure following revelations that he missed opportunities to put allegations of abuse against a priest into the public arena.
Speaking at the annual Chrism Mass in the Cathedral of St Patrick and St Colman in Newry – which is the traditional celebration of the priesthood, Bishop Boyce said “I am here at this time to serve as your shepherd”.
Speaking to the packed congregation, he recalled how “normally you come for the Chrism Mass to be with your bishop to receive the Holy Oils that will be used in the administration of the sacraments during the coming year.
“I am not your bishop, but a person sent as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore until the new bishop is appointed,” he said.
Dr Boyce – who is the retired Bishop of Raphoe – said: “on this significant day for you, I wish to declare wholeheartedly that my presence here today is to serve as your shepherd, shepherd of the people, religious, deacons and priests, of the young and the old, of the sick and the healthy, and most especially a shepherd of those who have been hurt in any way in the past.
“The word of God and the grace of the Sacraments provide light, peace, encouragement and healing power for all,” he said.
Referring particularly to the lay representatives of the parishes, Dr Boyce said: “I thank all of you, dear people, for coming to the Cathedral this morning for the Chrism Mass, in order to be with and to accompany the priests and deacons of the diocese.
“I thank you for the co-operation and support you give to your priests. Do continue to pray for them and for the gift of good vocations to meet all the spiritual needs of our parishes,” he said.