At a ceremony held in the Cathedral of the most Holy Trinity last Sunday, Father Alphonsus Cullinan was ordained as the 41st Bishop of Waterford and Lismore. He was ordained by Bishop Emeritus William Lee at the Mass in Waterford city.

The Clare native previously acted as the parish priest of Rathkeale in Limerick. His appointment to Waterford and Lismore was announced by Pope Francis in February, to replace Bishop Lee who resigned in late 2013 after 21 years of service.

Over 800 people, including 29 bishops, attended the ordination. Speaking at the ceremony last weekend, Father Cullinan said he is ‘honoured and humbled and excited’ to have been nominated as bishop of the Diocese.

“This is an historic city and Waterford and Lismore is an historic Diocese with a Christian heritage going back to the earliest days of Christianity on this island and I am very proud to be called to do something to continue that wonderful tradition,” he said.

“Up to last week I had under my care the 4,000 or so souls in my parish. Now I am moving to the other side of Munster and am called to be the shepherd of over 150,000 souls! I don’t have any illusions about the difficulties of the job which I have been given and I know my own unworthiness and limitations. 

“In that sense I have a mountain to climb but mountains are made for climbing! And I am not the only one with a mountain to climb. There are so many people with troubles of their own – illness, loss, worry about children, about making ends meet, depression, loneliness, lack of meaning in life, being marginalized, the list of human suffering and pain is long.”

He was welcomed into his role by Bishop Lee, who said the religious people of the Diocese have been waiting expectantly for this day.

“Father Cullinan, as we gather to introduce you to the diocese, I am very conscious of how happy and blessed I have been as Bishop of the diocese of Waterford and Lismore. 

“I will be forever grateful for the warmth of the welcome and indeed for the encouragement and support I have received from priests and people over the past twenty one years. I know that you will receive that same kind of welcome, encouragement and support as you lead this diocese into the future.”

Bishop Lee added: “In Waterford and Lismore you will find dedicated priests, committed religious and enthusiastic lay men and women, young and not so young, who greet you warmly today and who are eager to be your co-workers in the vineyard of the Lord.”

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