Government, local and religious representatives gathered for the episcopal ordination of the Apostolic Nuncio to Burundi, Dr Michael Aidan Courtney, at St Mary of the Rosary Church, Nenagh, Co Tipperary, yesterday.
The Nenagh-born Dr Courtney was ordained titular Archbishop of Eanach Duin (Annaghdown) by the principal consecrator, Cardinal Francis Arinze, president of the Pontifical Council for InterReligious Dialogue; and the consecrating prelates, the Bishop of Clonfert, Dr John Kirby and the Bishop of Killaloe, Dr Willie Walsh.
Cardinal Cahal Daly, Archbishop Emeritus of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady, the Primate and Archbishop of Armagh, the Minister for Defence, Mr Smith, representing the Taoiseach, and representatives from different local government institutions were among the congregation.
During the homily, Cardinal Arinze said "a big thank you" was due to Ireland "which has with much sacrifice shared Christianity with Nigeria. Without it I would not have been here today."
Dr Courtney would be asked to help bring peace and reconciliation to Burundi.