The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr. Diarmuid Martin, has paid tribute to Bishop Fiachra Ó Ceallaigh whose Episcopal resignation has been accepted by His Holiness Pope Benedict XVI. Bishop Ó Ceallaigh was ordained an auxiliary bishop of the Archdiocese in 1994.

Archbishop Martin said his years of dedicated service and unique charism had enriched the Diocese, “Bishop Ó Ceallaigh, particularly as he struggled with illness in recent years, was an outstanding witness to the motto he took on his Episcopal appointment “Dia Ár Misneach” (God is our courage).

Before his appointment as Auxiliary Bishop, Bishop Ó Ceallaigh served as provincial of the Franciscan Order in Ireland. He was the first Franciscan to serve as a Bishop in Ireland for over 170 years.

Archbishop Martin said the relationship between the Diocese and religious was deepened with the appointment of Bishop Ó Ceallaigh as he brought the insights of the religious to the Diocesan mission. He also singled out Bishop Ó Ceallaigh’s tireless work promoting the Irish Language in the Diocese in his work with Coiste Tréadach, the Diocesan pastoral commission for the promotion of the Irish language. “Bishop Fiachra’s warmth and particular personal qualities enriched our work. I, the priests, and no doubt the people of Rialto and his Episcopal area are at one in praying that he find enjoyment in his retirement.”