Click here for the live broadcast of the ordination ceremony. The broadcast will be available from 2.40pm on Sunday 4 August, co-hosted by the Dioceses of Meath, Kildare and Leighlin. The broadcast is best viewed in Safari or GoogleChrome.
Joining Fr Denis with our prayers and support
The Bishop, priests and people of the Diocese of Meath are delighted to join with Fr Denis on the occasion of his Episcopal Ordination as Bishop of Kildare and Leighlin.
As Bishop Smith said, “Father Denis brings many gifts to the task of being chief shepherd of Kildare and Leighlin. His leaving us leaves a deep void since his contribution to the mission of faith in the Diocese went far beyond his own parish. He has at all times brought to his priestly ministry great dedication, commitment and wisdom both during his ten years in the Cathedral parish, Mullingar and since 1998 as Parish Priest of Saint Mary’s. Father Denis became Ireland’s youngest parish priest at the time of his appointment to Saint Mary’s, a large and expanding parish. He brings to his ministry intelligence and approachability, rooted in a deep faith, that was appreciated by all who crossed his path. I have every confidence that he will fulfil his new ministry with the same dedication and commitment that has characterised his priestly life. He goes with the prayers and good wishes of all of us, priests and people.
Consecration
The principal ordaining bishop will be Archbishop Diarmuid Martin, Archbishop of Dublin, assisted by His Excellency the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland, Archbishop Charles J Brown and Bishop Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath. Monsignor Brendan Byrne, Diocesan Administrator of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin will concelebrate the Mass and will preach the homily.
Details of attendees
Also in attendance will be His Eminence Cardinal Seán Brady, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, Cardinal Desmond Connell, Archbishop Emeritus of Dublin, Bishop Jim Moriarty, Bishop Emeritus of the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin and other members of the hierarchy.
There will be 750 guests in the Cathedral of the Assumption. Along with members of the hierarchy, attendees on the day will include 200 family and friends of Father Denis, 170 parish representatives, 100 diocesan guests including members of local religious communities, a further 100 people will participate in the choir and assist in the liturgy. 200 priests will be in attendance from the Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, the Diocese of Meath, religious orders along with classmates and other priest guests. Admittance to the Cathedral on the day will be by ticket only.
For those who would like to be present on the day and join in the ceremony, arrangements have been made to have the ceremony streamed into the nearby Cathedral Parish Centre and the George Bernard Shaw theatre. Holy Communion will be brought from the Cathedral to both of these prayer spaces during the ceremony.
After the ceremony all present will be invited to Carlow College for refreshments.
