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Bishop has "progressive,
irreversible" illness
07.11.11
THE Bishop of Derry, Dr
Seamus Hegarty, has tendered his resignation to the
Vatican after being diagnosed with a “progressive
and irreversible” condition.
In a statement released today, Dr Hegarty, who is
71, said he had submitted his letter of resignation
"in the past few days". He did not specify his
illness but said he is currently receiving treatment
for it.
The bishop’s official spokesperson, Fr Michael
Canny, today declined to confirm the nature of the
medical condition.
However, responding to media enquiries earlier this
year, he admitted that the bishop was “very aware
that his memory is not as sharp or as acute as it
was in the past”. |
In today’s statement,
Bishop Hegarty said: "The conclusion of recent
medical assessment indicates that I am no longer
able to fulfil the role of Diocesan Bishop due to my
medical condition.”
He said that he had, therefore, offered his
resignation in accordance with Canon Law because he
was now "unsuited for the fulfilment of his office".
"I had hoped to continue until the age of 75 as
Diocesan Bishop, but my medical condition is such
that I have an obligation to submit my resignation,"
added Dr Hegarty. |
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Dr Seamus Hegarty. |
He said he would have
to "scale back" on his duties while the Pontiff
considered his resignation letter.
"It is my hope that my resignation will be accepted.
It is my intention to maintain a pastoral ministry
to the extent that I am able, into the future," he
said, adding, "I ask for prayers at this time". Dr
Hegarty, who is a native Kilcar in the Donegal
Gaeltacht, has been head of the Catholic church in
Derry for the past 17 years.
The diocese is the fourth largest in Ireland with 51
parishes in counties Derry, Tyrone, Donegal and a
small part of Antrim. Dr Hegarty previously served
in the neighbouring diocese of Raphoe, Co Donegal,
for 12 years. |
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