Scottish Catholic Observer

Pope Benedict XVI this morning a appointed Mgr Éamon Martin to succeed Cardinal Seán Brady when he retires as Archbishop of Armagh.

The 52-year-old Derry man (above), administrator of the Derry Diocese since 2011 and former vicar general. has been named as coadjutor archbishop of Derry with the right of succession. The announcement was made simultaneously at the Vatican and at St Patrick’s Cathedral, Armagh, at 11am.

Cardinal Brady (below), the Primate of All Ireland, said he asked the Pope to appoint a coadjutor to assist him in 2010. The cardinal congratulated Mgr Martin and welcomed him to the diocese.

Cardinal Brady described Mgr Martin as a man of great gifts and great generosity who knows how to use those talents in the education of people, young and old.

“I am delighted that the man chosen is Monsignor Eamon Martin,” he said. “I congratulate you most heartily, Monsignor Martin. I welcome you to the city and the Diocese of Patrick.”

Mgr Eamon Martin said it was a great privilege to be called to serve in this way.

“I am humbled and honoured to serve as bishop in this historic Archdiocese of Armagh
 but in truth I have to admit it was with considerable nervousness and trepidation that I accepted his call,” he said. “
I am very conscious of the great trust that the Holy Father has placed in me.”

“One of the greatest challenges facing our Church is to acknowledge, live with, and learn from the past,” he went on to say. “Although I am a little fearful in taking on this role of service, I am also enthusiastic.”

Mgr Martin was previously principal of St Columba’s College, Derry, and later became secretary of the Irish Episcopal Conference.