On THE 29TH OF July at 12 noon , Pope Leo XIV appointed Bishop Gerard Nash to minister simultaneously as Bishop of Ferns and as Bishop of Ossory. The two dioceses concerned are now united in persona episcopi, and will be pastorally administered by one bishop, Bishop Nash.
The Kilkenny Observer, joined with hundreds of parishioners from all over Ossory at St Mary’s Cathedral to hear Fr Dermot Ryan ( adm, St Mary’s Cathedral) make the announcement. Bishop Nash celebrated mass at St Mary’s and was joined by twenty priest from the various parishes of Ossory. Speaking to the congregation, Bishop Nash said he was deeply honoured to have been asked by Pope Leo to become Bishop of Ossory, in addition to his existing pastoral role in the Diocese of Ferns. “From the earliest days of my appointment as Apostolic Administrator we began a consultation to explore the possibilities for what brings most hope for the future of the church, in both Dioceses”, Said Bishop Nash.
Bishop Ger said that the appointment was simply the continuation of a journey as the two Dioceses will work together to create a community where the relationship with God will deepen and provide fertile soil for the preaching of the Gospel. “This is an opportunity for us to do great things together”, continued the Bishop.
During his homily, Bishop Nash explained that the amalgamation of Dioceses has begun in the West of Ireland and would continue in the rest of the country as opportunity allows. The challenge of being one Bishop for two Dioceses is a mirror of the experience of many priests in modern Ireland as they take on responsibility for more than one parish. The re-imagining of roles and the re- organisation of familiar tasks is true whether it is for a parish or a Diocese and the ultimate test for all change within the Church is whether it builds up the Kingdom of God. “It was a great benefit for us here in Ossory that Bishop Niall had already begun the process of discernment and recruitment for those who will begin their studies in Maynooth in September”, said the Bishop.
Bishop Nash said he was deeply grateful to the people in the parishes of the Diocese of Ossory for their welcome over the past few months but in particular he thanked the priests and the Diocesan Staff for their collaboration and their welcome at a personal level. “I also thank the Apostolic Nuncio, Archbishop Montemayor who has been generous with his time and his wisdom in my discussions with him”, continued Bishop Ger.
Referencing scripture, Bishop Ger said: “There is a scripture quotation which always gives me hope in times of challenge and uncertainty. It is from the prophet Jeremiah when he hears the Lord saying “My plans for you are peace and not disaster” I have reserved for you a future full of hope. I pray that here in Ossory and Ferns we will turn our faces towards the future set aside for us by God and that we will journey forward together in faith”.
Bishop Gerard Nash was born on 27 February 1959 at Glandree in the parish of Tulla, Co Clare. After completing his Leaving Certificate, he studied business and then worked in manufacturing industry for a number of years, subsequently choosing to study for the priesthood with the Diocese of Killaloe in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. On 15 June 1991, Bishop Nash was ordained a priest, by Bishop Michael Harty, in Drumcharley Church, Tulla. On 11 June 2021, Pope Francis appointed Bishop Nash as Bishop of Ferns.
The Diocese of Ossory has a Catholic population of 83,595. The diocese comprises42 parishes, 35 priests in active ministry, and covers the areas of most of County Kilkenny, six parishes in County Laois, and one parish in County Offaly.
The mass at the Cathedral was complemented by the singing of The St Mary’s Cathedral choir. Following mass the congregation joined Bishop Ger and the clergy at The Chapter House for refreshments.
