TULLA NATIVE, Bishop Ger Nash has been appointed to a new role by Pope Leo XIV.
On top of his post as Bishop of Ferns, Nash will now also serve as the Apostolic Administrator of the Diocese of Ossory.
An Apostolic Administrator is appointed to temporarily govern a diocese when warranted by special circumstances. The Diocese of Ossory has a Catholic population of 83,595. The diocese comprises 42 parishes, 35 priests in active ministry, and covers the areas of most of County Kilkenny, six parishes in County Laois, and one parish in County Offaly.
Bishop Nash thanked Pope Leo for the trust and faith placed in him and said he looked forward to working with the priests, diocesan staff, Religious and the people of the Diocese of Ossory. “The diocese is blessed to have many talented priests and people who carry out great work each day, often unheralded, and I hope to be able to assist them in every way I can”.
He noted that the appointment also affected the Diocese of Ferns, Bishop Nash said he thoroughly enjoyed his work and role as Bishop of Ferns and would continue to do so. “I consider it a great privilege to be part of Ferns diocese and have always felt a warm and genuine welcome. However, with this extra responsibility, I will not have the same time to devote to every aspect of my life and work in Ferns”.
He added: “I am very confident, though, that we have good strong systems in place in Ferns, a wonderful body of clergy, hardworking diocesan staff and no shortage of people willing to step up to the mark when called upon”.
Born on 27th February 1959 in Glandree, Tulla, Bishop Nash was ordained a priest, by Bishop Michael Harty, in Drumcharley Church, Tulla. He was appointed by Pope Francis as Bishop of Ferns in June 2021.
After completing his Leaving Certificate, he studied business and then worked in manufacturing industry for a number of years, subsequently choosing to study for the priesthood with the Diocese of Killaloe in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.