Archbishop Martin is new Diocese Administrator

Archbishop Eamon Martin has been appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore by Pope Francis.

The Holy Father Pope Francis appointed Archbishop Martin, Metropolitan Archbishop of the ecclesiastical province of Armagh, as Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Dromore earlier this week.

In response to the news Bishop Philip Boyce OCD (79), who has served the Diocese of Dromore as its Apostolic Administrator from 26 March 2018 said, “I am very happy to welcome Archbishop Eamon Martin as the new Apostolic Administrator of Dromore.  I wish to thank the people and clergy for their prayers, goodwill, encouragement and unstinting support over the last year.  While I am looking forward to my retirement, I remain available to pastorally support Archbishop Martin, and Dromore, in any way that I can.”

Archbishop Eamon Martin said, “The Holy Father has asked me to take over the role of Apostolic Administrator from Bishop Boyce whilst continuing with my role as Archbishop of Armagh.  I am humbled by Pope Francis’ request and grateful for his confidence in me.  It will be an honour for me to serve the people, priests and religious of Dromore during this transitional time for the diocese.  Please pray for me as I take up this new responsibility.”

In a letter to the people of the Diocese Archbishop Martin added:

"I aim to provide as much stability as possible for Dromore as we await the Holy Father’s decision regarding the appointment of a new bishop in the future.

"One of my first priorities in the diocese will be to receive a full briefing on safeguarding issues and to be updated on any statutory investigations into these matters. I shall, of course, fully cooperate with developments in this regard.

"I will also strongly encourage the positive pastoral initiatives and administrative developments already underway in the diocese to ensure that the parishes of Dromore remain vibrant, missionary and in a state of readiness for the future.

"Although in many ways as Archbishop of Armagh I am already your “next door neighbour”, I look forward to getting to know you better and to learning and appreciating the unique characteristics of this historic diocese of Dromore."

Archbishop Martin will celebrate the Easter Sunday Mass at 10.00am in Newry Cathedral.