Papal nuncio visits Skibbereen to launch cathedral guide book

A papal nuncio, for the first time in more than 60 years, is to visit Skibbereen next weekend.

Archbishop Charles Brown, the permanent diplomatic representative of the Holy See to Ireland, will visit the West Cork town on Sunday next to launch an illustrated visitor’s guide to the local and historic St Patrick’s Cathedral. The last time a papal nuncio visited was in July 1954 when Dr Gerald P O’Hara arrived amid much celebration to a town bedecked by papal flags.

It is hoped, on this occasion, the archbishop will concelebrate 11.30am Mass in the cathedral before formally launching the visitor’s guide, attending a luncheon with members of the parish assembly and participating in a guided tour of the cathedral conducted by the authors of the visitor’s guide, Gerald O’Brien and Philip O’Regan.