Ireland: Bishop Duignan prays for President Catherine Connolly

President Catherine Connolly

Source: Irish Catholic Bishops Conference

Bishop Michael Duignan issues the following statement on the election of Ms Catherine Connolly as President of Ireland - Uachtarán na hÉireann.

Today is a significant day for the people of Galway as we see "one of our own" - Catherine Connolly - elected as Uachtarán na hÉireann.

Since the earliest of times, Christians have always held it as a sacred duty to pray for our civic leaders. On behalf of the Catholic community of Galway, and our hinterland, I pray God's blessings on our new president as she takes up the highest civic office in this land. I recommend her to the prayers of the whole local Catholic community at this time. A Chaitríona, go gcoinní Dia i mbos a lámha thú!

I would also like to acknowledge the very deep and long-established connection of President Michael D Higgins, and his wife Sabina, with Galway. I wish them every grace and blessing for the future ahead.

Through the intercession of Saint Patrick and Saint Brigid, may God continue to bless Ireland now and always.

Ráiteas leis an Easpag Micheál Ó Duibhgeannáin agus Catherine Connolly tofa ina Uachtarán na hÉireann.

Is lá suntasach é inniu do mhuintir na Gaillimhe agus Catherine Connolly "s'againne" tofa ina Uachtarán na hÉireann. Ó thús ama, bhíodh Críostaí i gcónaí den creideamh gur dualgas sácráilte é guí ar son a gceannairí sibhialta. Thar cheann phobal Caitlicigh na Gaillimhe agus a gcúltír, guím beannachtaí Dé ar ár nUachtarán nua agus í ag glacadh leis an oifig is airde sa tír. Molaim don pobal Caitlicigh áitiúil uile guí ar a son ag an am seo. A Chaitríona, go gcoinní Dia i mbos a lámha thú!

Anuas ar sin, ba mhaith liom aitheantas a thabhairt d'Uachtarán Micheal D Higgins agus a bhean chéile Sabina as an gceangal domhain agus seanbhunaithe atá acu le Gaillimh. Guím gach grásta agus beannacht orthu sa todhchaí.

Trí idirghuí Naomh Pádraig agus Naomh Bríd, go leana Dia le hÉire a bheannú anois agus go brách.

Bishop Michael Duignan is Bishop of Galway, Kilmacduagh and Kilfenora, and Bishop of Clonfert.