Brennan named bishop of Ferns

POPE Benedict XVI has appointed Fr Denis Brennan as the new Bishop of Ferns, a diocese which has been rocked by sex scandals.

Bishop Brendan Comiskey resigned in Easter 2002 over his questionable handling of clerical child abuse allegations involving more than 20 priests.

Monsignor Brennan has been working as parish priest of Taghmon, Co Wexford.

Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of All Ireland Dr Seán Brady welcomed the appointment.

“I congratulate Mgr Brennan and offer him my best wishes. I think that he is very well prepared to take on the pastoral care of the diocese, founded by St Aidan, and that he will have the support of the laity, religious and clergy.”

The Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin, said: “I wish Fr Brennan every grace and blessing as he takes on his new ministry and assures his prayers and support for the new Bishop and for the entire Diocese of Ferns.”

The new bishop has worked very closely with Bishop Eamonn Walsh, the Apostolic Administrator, in effecting forward-looking policies to ensure the highest standards in child protection are upheld, and the recommendations of the Ferns Report implemented.

Archbishop Martin said the appointment of Mgr Brennan was a clear endorsement of the policies adopted by Bishop Walsh and the process of renewal taking place in the diocese.

Mgr Brennan was born in the parish of Rathnure, Enniscorthy, on June 20, 1945.

In September 1964 he entered St Peter’s Seminary Wexford and was ordained for the Diocese of Ferns in May 1970.

After ordination, he was appointed to the House of Missions, Enniscorthy, and conducted parish missions and retreats in Ireland, England and Canada.

In 1997 he was appointed parish priest of Taghmon, Co Wexford.

He is the current diocesan delegate for child protection and was previously Vicar Forane for the Wexford Deanery.