Bishop-Elect Hayes’ Apostolic Mandate:

Bishop-Elect Hayes’ Apostolic Mandate:

After the Gospel is read on Sunday, Father Martin Hayes will be called forward and Archbishop Eamonn Martin – as the principal consecrator – will be formally asked to ordain him as Bishop for service in the Diocese of Kilmore.

Archbishop Martin will ask “Have you a mandate from the Apostolic See?” and on being told that one has been received, he will request it to be read.

The mandate is written in Latin as can be seen below but will be read in English by Monsignor Liam Kelly – translation is given at the end of this page.

After the mandate has been read, those present will give their assent by saying “Thanks be to God”

FRANCIS, BISHOP AND SERVANT OF THE SERVANTS OF GOD, to our dear son, Martin Hayes, priest of the archdiocese of Cashel and Emly, until now Director of Pastoral Planning and Development, and now Bishop Elect of the diocese of Kilmore, greetings and Apostolic Blessing.

We solemnly recall the two glorious luminaries of heaven, SS Peter and Paul, whose blood consecrated their lives and whom the Lord appointed leaders of His church. We are among the many people entrusted to carry out the ceremonies of the ecclesial community by following the rites prescribed in the sacred texts. We wish above all to provide a new leader to the diocese of Kilmore, vacant since the resignation of our Venerable Brother Philip Leo O’Reilly, so that the spiritual needs of that church community may be met.

We have therefore considered, dear son, given your proven pastoral work, your commitment to the good of souls and your human qualities that you will be seen to be worthy to be raised to the office of bishop. Accordingly, having consulted with the Congregations for Bishops, and with our full Apostolic authority, we appoint you as Bishop of Kilmore, with all the rights and obligations which Canon Law confers.

Your episcopal ordination may take place outside Rome. It should be celebrated according to the liturgical norms and at the hands of any Catholic Bishop. The Profession of Faith and the Oath of Fidelity to us and to our successors should have been made previously, according to the sacred canons. We wish, dear son, that you make our decree known to the clergy and people of the diocese, so that they may willingly accept you as their spiritual teacher.

We ask, through the intercession of the Virgin Mary, Mother of the Church, and the apostles Peter and Paul, that Almighty God may keep you, dear son, steadfast in proclaiming and living the Gospel, so that even where there is sin, grace may abound all the more.

Given at the Lateran Basilica in Rome on the 29th day of June on the solemnity of the feast of the Apostles SS Peter and Paul, in the year of our Lord two thousand and twenty, the eight of our pontificate.

FRANCIS PP