Dublin: Pope Francis has appointed Father Donal Roche as the new Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Dublin, in response to a request from Archbishop Dermot Farrell for the appointment of an auxiliary bishop. Father Roche, who has dedicated 38 years of service to Dublin, will now serve as Assistant Bishop.
Archbishop Dermot Farrell expressed gratitude to Pope Francis for the appointment, highlighting Father Roche’s extensive pastoral experience, which he believes will greatly benefit the church leadership in Dublin. The Archdiocese of Dublin, home to over 1.5 million Catholics across 197 parishes, faces challenges amidst a decline in the number of priests in Ireland.
Father Roche assumed leadership of his first parish, Morne Road, in 1986, before serving in various capacities within Dublin for nearly four decades. He has been involved as a clergy teacher and chaplain in schools in Coolock and Tallaght, and served as vicar of Lucan South Parish for seven years, followed by 11 years as parish vicar in Wicklow. Presently, he serves as vicar of Job’s Town Church, overseeing the Cherrywood and Cabinteely areas.
While the Diocese has encountered difficulties over the past two decades, Archbishop Dermot Farrell remains optimistic, citing the enduring commitment and faith of the priests and people of the Archdiocese as sources of strength amidst uncertainty.
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