Fiachra Ó Ceallaigh

Styles of Fiachra Ó Ceallaigh
Reference style	The Most Reverend
Spoken style	Your Grace
Religious style	Bishop
Posthumous style	not applicable

Fiachra Ó Ceallaigh O.F.M. (18 August 1933-) is an Irish Catholic Bishop and since 17 September 2009 Auxiliary Bishop Emeritus of Dublin.

Ó Ceallaigh was ordained a priest of 2 July 1961 in the Order of Friars Minor. He was appointed as an Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin and at the same time, Titular Bishop of Tres Tabernae by Pope John Paul II on 7 June 1994 at the age of 61. Prior to his appointment as bishop, he had been provincial of the Franciscan Order in Ireland and was the first Franciscan to become a bishop in Ireland for over 170 years. Bishop O Ceallaigh served the Irish Bishops’ Conference as a member of its Department of Worship, Pastoral Renewal and Faith Development, Chairman of the Irish Language Commission, and as a member of the Commission for Religious and on the Commission on Pastoral Liturgy.^[1]

As an Auxiliary Bishop, he assisted Archbishops of Dublin Desmond Connell and Diarmuid Martin in the governance of the diocese, looking after the spiritual needs of the people. Bishop Ó Ceallaigh sent his letter of resignation at the age of 75 as he is required to do. Pope Benedict XVI accepted his letter of resignation on 17 September 2009 but did not name another auxiliary bishop to replace Bishop Ó Ceallaigh.^[2]

Upon his resignation being accepted Archbishop Martin said: “Bishop Fiachra’s warmth and particular personal qualities enriched our work. I, the priests, and no doubt the people of Rialto and his episcopal area are at one in praying that he find enjoyment in his retirement.”

He said Bishop Ó Ceallaigh, “particularly as he struggled with illness in recent years, was an outstanding witness to the motto he took on his episcopal appointment ‘Dia Ár Misneach’ (God is our courage)”.

On 2 October 2009 Archbishop Martin appointed Msgr Dermot Clarke, Parish Priest of the Holy Family Parish, Aughrim Street, as Episcopal Vicar for the Pastoral Area which covers the two Inner City and Cullenswood Deaneries. He takes over as Episcopal Vicar from Bishop O’Ceallaigh. The Pastoral Area contains 35 of Dublin’s 199 Parishes.^[3]

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