Photo: Louise Brooks

Tuam's Fr Fintan becomes Bishop Monahan of Killaloe

IRELAND’S newest and youngest bishop, Fintan Monahan, chose for his motto Chríost Liom, Chríost Romham (Christ with me, Christ before me). But equally fitting would have been the motto of a previous prelate, the late Archbishop Joseph Cassidy of Tuam — Le Caoineas Chríost (With the kindness of Christ).
Because Bishop Fintan is above all a kind and gentle man. His qualities were visible when at the end of a long session of distributing communion on Sunday, he came down the aisle of Ennis Cathedral to place the host on the tongue of an elderly lady who was not able to walk up to the altar.
It was a small gesture, but at one with the overall theme of the episcopal ordination ceremony in which youth, people with special needs and the entire community of Killaloe diocese were involved.

Read more and see our photo special in this week's edition.