Bishop Niall Coll thankful of the 'warm welcome being extended to me'

New Bishop of Raphoe Niall Coll has expressed his gratitude following his appointment.

In this weekend’s Cathedral Newsletter for the First Sunday of Lent, Bishop Coll offers the following message of gratitude as he begins his ministry in the Diocese.

"I wish to take this opportunity to express my sincere gratitude to the people, religious and clergy of the Diocese of Raphoe for the warm welcome being extended to me as I begin my ministry as your bishop," he wrote. "Your kindness and generosity have been deeply appreciated.

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"The Liturgy of Installation last month was a beautiful and prayerful celebration of our shared faith in God. Together with representatives from every parish around the Diocese, it was especially heartening to see choir members from those same parishes collaborating so effectively.

"The choir and musicians greatly enriched the celebration, and I am very grateful for their dedication and talent. Many who travelled from outside the Diocese to join us have since been in contact to express their appreciation of both the beauty of the Mass and the warmth of the welcome they received on the day.

"I would also like to thank all who have written to me, sent cards and good wishes, and assured me of their prayers. Your support and encouragement mean a great deal as I start this new chapter in the life of our Diocese. As I begin this ministry among you, I do so guided by my episcopal motto, 'Christ Jesus our hope.'

"In times of challenge and in times of blessing, it is in Christ that we find our strength, our unity and our future. I pray that together we may grow ever stronger in hope, rooted in Him. In the months and years ahead, I look forward to visiting your parishes, celebrating the Eucharist with you, and getting to know you and your communities. As we begin the season of Lent, I pray that this sacred time will bring a renewed sense of faith, hope and mission to each of us, and to the whole Diocese of Raphoe. Beannacht Dé oraibh uilig."