The new Bishop of Clogher Larry Duffy has told his congregation that all he can promise is to do his best during his ordination last Sunday.

Speaking at the end of the celebration he said: “When the Diocese of Clogher became vacant, I frequently prayed in public that the Holy Spirit would guide those responsible for choosing a Bishop, and that the one chosen would be God’s choice.

“What a shock when I was invited to serve. The God of surprises surely has a sense of fun. All I can promise is to do my best.”

The ordination, celebrated by Archbishop Eamon Martin, Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland, who was assisted by Bishop Noel Treanor, Bishop of Down and Connor and Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo, the Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland took place in St. Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan.

The ceremony was attended by Bishops from all over Ireland, representatives from the Diocese of Clogher as well as local political figures and representatives from other denominations.

During his homily, Archbishop Martin said: “To become Bishop is your ‘call within a call’. But do not lose your priestly and pastoral instinct to serve, and to build up hearts.

“This is one of your gifts and you can bring it to your episcopacy. Your choice of episcopal motto: “God is Love” is simple, yet profound and challenging. Remember how Saint Paul, and his companion Barnabus, known as ‘son of encouragement’ went around ‘putting fresh heart into the churches’. Keep encouraging your people! As Pope Francis says, do not allow them to be ‘robbed of hope’.

“My brother Larry, this ‘call within a call’ will bring you many new responsibilities and challenges. As Bishop, you may sometimes feel yourself sinking beneath so many competing demands and expectations. Ach ná bíodh eagla ortsa!

“Thank you for having the courage to say again, ‘Here I am, Lord’. God bless your ministry as Bishop of Clogher.”

In his address at the end of the ordination, Bishop Duffy thanked all those who came to celebrate his ordination including the presence of so many young people, Monsignor McGuinness for his service to the Diocese over the last two years.

“Recent days has seen much packing and shredding. In the process I came across a letter/ reflection written by me in 1975, the night before diaconate.

“In it I wrote: ‘My view of what I am taking on could never be put into one sentence. I know that the more I trust in you, Lord, the less worry I will have.

“You have called me, Lord, I am your instrument, use me in whatever way you will. I will not always understand your will as exercised through people and events. Lord, from here on in it is you who will take care of me.

“I fling myself with all my weaknesses into your lap.

“My prayer today could be no different.”

Bishop Duffy concluded by saying his ordination was a practical example of people going out of their way to enhance the celebration.

“What my priesthood has shown is that we don’t work alone with God. God gives us friends, and companions to journey with us.

“In every parish I have encountered people of immense faith lived out in a spirit of kindness; and generosity. Our faith and parish life has been blessed and enriched by such individuals.

“I thank all involved: car park attendants, Liturgy commission, the organising committee, all involved in today’s liturgy, and of course the choir and musicians.

“I would like to conclude by focusing our attention on God’s greatest Gift- His Son, Jesus Christ.

“He is the one who extends the hand of friendship and compassion to everyone, regardless of their situation in life.

“He is not so much interested in past sin as in the grace of the present moment.

“He invites us to follow him, to launch out into the depths of God’s Love.

“He is the one who says “Walk with me “and I will lead you to that place of peace and Joy.

“My Dear friends, may that be your experience of our faith.”