Pope Francis recently announced the appointment of Fr. Michael Duignan from Bealnumulla, Athlone, Co. Roscommon as the new Bishop of Clonfert. The announcement was made on Tuesday, July 16th in St. Brendan’s Cathedral, Loughrea by the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Jude Thaddeus Okolo.
Fr. Duignan is a priest of the Diocese of Elphin and replaces Bishop John Kirby, who had been in the role for the past 31 years. The bishop-elect is 49-years-old and the eldest of six children from Bealnamulla. He studied for the priesthood in Rome, where he also studied for qualifications in theology, including a doctorate.
Fr. Duignan has taught Theology, Philosophy and Religious Education at St. Angela’s College in Sligo and had also been Assistant Diocesan Secretary in Elphin. He has also been a member of the Elphin Diocesan Pastoral Council, Council of Priests, Finance Committee, College of Consultors and the Diocesan Safeguarding Executive.
