Most. Rev Bishop Leo O’Reilly was delighted to celebrate mass at the Conaty Chapel at St. Patricks College/Kilmore Pastoral Centre one more time as Bishop on Friday afternoon, as the school held a mass and celebration on the occassion of his retirement. Celebrating mass with Bishop Leo were (from left) Fr John McTiernan, Fr Kevin Fay, Fr. John Murphy, Most. Rev Bishop Leo O’Reilly, Fr Andrew Tully, Fr John Gilhooly and Fr Donal Kilduff. Photo: Lorraine Teevan Staff reporter
The Bishop of Kilmore’s recent retirement as well as the golden jubilee of his ordination will be celebrated on Sunday, June 9, with an open invitation extended for the Mass and reception.
A diocesan spokesperson said: “Bishop Leo was highly respected and greatly admired by everyone. Many people can testify to his pastoral care during his 50 years as a priest, especially in times of difficulty and sadness.
“He was bishop of our diocese during an unprecedented period of upheaval, distress and challenge in the Irish Church.”
The spokesperson added he was at “the fore” of a number of pastoral initatives and led three diocesan assemblies in 2000, 2007 and 2014 “which contributed to shaping responses to emerging needs in the diocese of Kilmore”.
The concelebrated Mass will be held in the Cathedral of Ss Patrick and Felim in Cavan at 3pm. Bishop O’Reilly will be the principal celebrant and the homily will be given by Msgr Liam Kelly, the Diocesan Administrator.
There will be an informal reception afterwards in St Patrick’s College, Cavan.