Mags GarganBishop of Meath is the longest-serving Irish bishop still in active ministry
Bishop Michael Smith of the Diocese of Meath celebrated the 30th anniversary of his episcopal ordination this week, making him the longest-serving Irish bishop still in active ministry.
In advance of the anniversary celebrations on Wednesday (Jan 29), Mgr Dermot Farrell, Vicar General, congratulated Bishop Smith on behalf of the priests, religious and lay peole of the diocese and thanked God for his work of Bishop Michael, “especially for his courage and vision manifested in his leadership and decision-making”.
On his appointment by Blessed John Paul II as Auxiliary Bishop of Meath at the age of 43 years, Bishop Smith was Ireland’s youngest bishop. He was appointed Coadjutor Bishop of Meath in 1988 and, following the retirement of Bishop McCormack in 1990, he succeeded as Bishop of Meath. Since then it is estimated that Bishop Smith has presided at over 1,500 confirmation ceremonies and ordained almost 100 priests. He is patron of 193 Catholic primary schools and a number of secondary schools.