Bishop Nash has spoken of how deeply honoured he is by this call, and of his hope that the two dioceses can walk forward together while each keeps its own identity and story.

For many of us in the parish, this is not a stranger arriving at the door but a shepherd who has already spent these past months among us as Apostolic Administrator, coming to know our priests, our parish communities, and the particular graces and needs of Ossory. That familiarity is itself a gift as we begin this new chapter.

We pray:

Lord God, shepherd of your people,
we thank you for Bishop Ger, and for the trust placed in him.
Bless him with wisdom, patience, and a father’s heart,
that he may lead us gently and lead us well.
Give him strength for the road ahead,
and give us, his people, open hearts to receive him.
May Saint Kieran, patron of this diocese,
watch over him and over all of us in Ossory,
as we grow together in faith, hope, and love.
We ask this through Christ our Lord.
Amen.