It was my great pleasure to come to know him when he served as a member of the Jesuit team in Belfast. At that time, he graciously agreed to lead the Diocesan Living Church Team. In that capacity he oversaw many diocesan initiatives, including the Diocesan Listening Process, the Diocesan Congress, and the initial formation programme for the Permanent Diaconate. Drawing on his experience as a member of the Society of Jesus, he grounded these initiatives in a profound spiritual discernment. His further experience as Bishop of Raphoe will enable him to hit the ground running, to take up the baton and advance with so many women and men volunteers for the pastoral initiatives and projects in hand. In him they will find a creative, generous and wise shepherd, as will all with whom the diocese cooperates for the common good in public institutions and services.
From my years of ministry with the priests, religious and faithful throughout the parishes of the diocese, I am sure Bishop Alan will have a blessed and happy ministry in Down and Connor.
As I rejoice with all the faithful and with Bishop Alan’s family on receiving the announcement of his appointment by Pope Francis, I assure him of my prayers.