Bishops face `daunting mission'

The role of a bishop today requires ability to "encourage and support priests as they face the complexities of change, contention and criticism at this difficult time", the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Desmond Connell, has said.

In a homily at the ordination of two new auxiliary bishops for Dublin diocese, Dr Connell said a bishop had to have courage and sensitivity "which knows how to present the truth with compassion for human weakness". Monsignors Raymond Field (53) and Martin Drennan (53) were ordained at a ceremony in the Parish Church of St Andrew, Westland Row, yesterday.

The primary role of a bishop on "a daunting mission" was to teach with authority, to celebrate the sacraments and to govern the church in the way of life", the archbishop said. This called for "humility of heart, an unworldly spirit and purity of life", all of which depended on personal intimacy with Christ in prayer and self-denial. "Above all, he must be filled with an ardent pastoral charity which responds to the spiritual and material needs of his people. He should strive to be a father of the poor, not interpreting poverty in a way that underestimates the spiritual famine of consumer society."

Dr Connell welcomed Mgr Drennan's "deep priestly spirituality" and the "admirable capacity for well-planned initiative and work" of Mgr Field.

Mgr Field has resigned as head chaplain of the Defence Forces and replaces Bishop Dermot O'Mahony who resigned for health reasons as Auxiliary Bishop for North Dublin/North Kildare parishes.

Mgr Drennan leaves his post as Professor of Sacred Scripture (New Testament) at St Patrick's College, Maynooth, and replaces Bishop Donal Murray, now Bishop of Limerick, as Auxiliary Bishop for South Dublin/North Wicklow parishes.