Tuesday, February 07, 2012

New Knock PP appointed

Archbishop Michael Neary of Tuam has named Fr Richard Gibbons as the new parish priest of Knock, following the recent sudden death of Monsignor Joseph Quinn.  

Fr Gibbons, who is 43, has been a curate at Our Lady’s Shrine in Knock for the past eight years. A native of Louisburgh, Co. Mayo, he has degrees in Arts and Law from the National University of Ireland, Galway.

Fr Gibbons studied philosophy and theology in Rome and was ordained a priest in 1999.  He then undertook post-graduate studies in Rome for a year, after which he was appointed a curate in Headford, Co. Galway, as well as chaplain to the Presentation secondary school in the town.

While in Headford, he went on to obtain a Higher Diploma in Education from NUIG.

Fr Gibbons was in the limelight recently when he strongly criticised the government’s decision to close the Irish embassy to the Vatican and called on Catholics who were unhappy at the decision to ring the offices of the Taoiseach and the Tánaiste to voice their dissatisfaction.

He said the embassy closure did not reflect, “the wider global and heritage links between ourselves and Rome,” that it, “hit a particular nerve with ordinary Catholics and ordinary priests,” and that despite the fact that scandals had damaged the Church, should not feel “cowed” into acquiescence.

Naming Fr Gibbons as new PP for Knock, Archbishop Neary said the appointment is, “a very demanding position and one that requires great spiritual, pastoral and administrative skills and sensitivity.”

“I have every confidence that Fr Richard has all the capabilities and talents to meet this busy and challenging role,” he remarked.

Dr Neary said that on his own behalf and that of the faithful of the archdiocese of Tuam, he offered his, “blessings and best wishes to Fr Richard as he embarks upon his new ministry as parish priest and spiritual leader of the National Shrine of Our Lady at Knock.”