Dublin archbishop appoints key lieutenant

Archbishop of Dublin Dermot Farrell has tapped Fr Gareth Byrne to take over the key position overseeing the day-to-day running of diocesan administration.

As Moderator of the Curia, Fr Byrne will be a key adviser to Dr Farrell and supervise diocesan offices and agencies on behalf of the archbishop.

He replaced Msgr Paul Callan, a close friend of Archbishop Dermot Martin who has worked in various jobs in the Dublin diocesan headquarters for many years.

Fr Byrne is best known for his work in the area of faith formation and religious education. He was the lead author of the national directory for catechetics in Ireland Share the Good News. He is currently director of the Mater Dei Institute for Catholic Education at Dublin City University.

The Irish Catholic understands that Msgr Callan wll remain in place until August to allow a smooth transition.

Meanwhile, the newly constituted Dublin Council of Priests is due to meet today (Thursday). It is made up of clerics elected by the priests of the diocese as well as other priests appointed by Archbishop Farrell. It advises on a range of issues and gives direction on pastoral initiatives within the country’s largest diocese.