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	Diocese of Ferns Celebrates Bishop Appointmen By Neans McSweeney Irish Examiner [Ireland] April 24, 2006 http://www.examiner.ie/pport/web/ireland/Full_Story/did-sg8zWZS6kLj8Q.asp A DIOCESE that was at the centre of a clerical child sex abuse scandal was yesterday celebrating the appointment of its new bishop. Bishop of Ferns, Denis Brennan, yesterday remembered those who had suffered in the diocese. "Today is about persons who were abused by priests of the diocese, about their struggle to be listened to and believed, about their ongoing search for healing," he said. Speaking as he was given responsibility for 49 parishes, 101 churches, and 100,464 Catholics, he said he was "honoured" to take up the position. "It's a call I thought I would never receive. Since I have, with the help of God, and the help and support of the priests and people of the diocese, I will accept it and will do my best in every way I can, as faithfully and as lovingly as I can." He is the first bishop from Wexford to be appointed to the post in almost 80 years. Bishop Brennan, 60, takes over from Apostolic administrator Éamonn Walsh. Bishop Walsh took the helm when Bishop Brendan Comiskey stepped down. Dr Comiskey resigned days after a BBC documentary which examined his handling of sexual abuse claims made against priests in his diocese. Bishop Walsh described the new bishop as a man of deep faith and integrity. "Since coming to the Diocese as Apostolic Administrator, Monsignor Brennan has worked closely with me as Vicar Forane and Child Protection Delegate." St Aidan's Cathedral in Enniscorthy was packed for the ceremony. Senior clergy from across the country, government officials and representatives from other religions were there. Principal consecrator was the Archbishop of Dublin, Dr Diarmuid Martin. Co-consecrators were Giuseppe Lazzarotto, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland and Éamonn Walsh, Apostolic Administrator of Ferns and Auxiliary Bishop of Dublin.
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