Athlone Native Appointed Bishop of Kerry

Westmeath Independent
May 2, 2013

http://www.westmeathindependent.ie/news/roundup/articles/2013/05/02/4015612-athlone-native-appointed-bishop-of-kerry/


Athlone native Fr Raymond Browne has been appointed the new Bishop of Kerry by His Holiness Pope Francis today.

The 56-year-old has been Parish Priest of Kilgefin in Roscommon in the diocese of Elphin for the last five years.

The new bishop takes over from Bishop William Murphy, who has held the position for the last 18 years. He had previously announced his resignation after reaching the retirement age of 75.

Born in Chapel Street, Athlone, Fr Browne was first ordained a priest back in 1982 in the Church of Saints Peter and Paul, Athlone. He has previous served as a priest in Sligo and Roscommon town.

Commenting on the announcement Bishop-elect Raymond Browne said: “Bishop Murphy, people of Killarney, people of Kerry diocese, fellow priests, all who are gathered, good morning to you all and God bless you. I am deeply honoured that Pope Francis has chosen me to be your Bishop. It is with great humility I present myself to you today. I am conscious of the great diocese this is. I am conscious of the way the faith has been lived in all the parishes, church areas, religious houses and communities, schools, and all the faith communities throughout the diocese by this and previous generations.”