Reverse mission as African priests solve Galway shortage

For the first time in its history, the Galway Diocese of Clonfert is to get two priests from Africa to minister in its parishes – because of a decline in vocations.

In a dramatic u-turn to Ireland’s tradition of sending missionaries abroad, two parish priests from Nigeria will take up appointments for a period of three years, with the option of being renewed for longer.

Bishop John Kirby has not yet announced where the priests will be sent to in the Diocese, which is located in East Galway taking in a small part of Co. Roscommon and Co. Offaly.

The men, both aged in their forties, are currently having their immigration visas prepared and requirements under Canon Law finalised. They are expected to take up their appointments by early October.

The loan arrangement came about after priests were sent to the Clonfert Diocese from the Diocese of Jalingo in Nigera for two months over successive summer to relieve priests taking holidays.

That link led to Bishop Kirby enquiring whether Bishop Charles Hammawa would be open to a more permanent arrangement, explained Diocesan spokesman Monsignor Cathal Geraghty.

“Bishop Hammawa came last month to visit the Diocese and had meetings with us about it. He has nominated two priests for a three-year term. He also has priests on loan to America and Poland and he views it an opportunity for his priests to experience the universal church, in much the same way Irish priests ministered in Nigeria,” he explained.

See full story in this week’s Connacht Tribune