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After serving as a bishop for 25 years, Donal McKeown is preparing to retire from his role as the Catholic Bishop of Derry. His final Mass as the diocese leader will take place this Sunday, with Bishop Michael Router set to take over the position at St Eugene’s Cathedral. McKeown, who has been at the helm of the diocese for the past 12 years, shared his thoughts on stepping down and adapting to a life without the constant demands of leadership.
Having been ordained in 1977 in Randalstown, County Antrim, McKeown first became Bishop of Down and Connor in 2001 before moving to Derry in 2014. Throughout his career, he has become widely recognized within the Catholic Church in Ireland. As he looks ahead to retirement at 76, he admits that one of the biggest adjustments will be getting used to his phone not ringing as frequently. Reflecting on a former bishop’s experience, he told BBC Radio Foyle’s North West Today programme, “A bishop friend who retired told me it took three years for the tiredness to leave his body.” He continued, “Retirement does bring with it a relief not to be in charge anymore, but I also now have to get a sense of who I am away from being in a position of leadership.”
Bishop McKeown plans to remain in the Derry area, which he describes as “marvellous, with wonderful, welcoming people.” He emphasized that, often, some of the most significant moments in a community’s life come during its toughest times, referencing events such as the death of Lyra McKee and the funerals of public figures including John Hume, Martin McGuinness, and Seamus Heaney. He noted how the city and surrounding rural parishes consistently unite to support one another during these challenges. Sharing a personal joy, McKeown mentioned, “I like walking the streets of Derry and I am often stopped by people asking for prayers and confessions.”
The Diocese of Derry covers a wide region, including 51 parishes that extend across parts of County Londonderry, County Tyrone, County Antrim, and even the Republic of Ireland’s County Donegal. Discussions in the Vatican about possibly merging Derry with the neighbouring diocese of Raphoe have raised concerns locally. McKeown has previously advocated for a delay to such plans, pointing out the logistical challenges involved, such as the diocese registrations being in different jurisdictions—one registered in Dublin and the other in Belfast. While acknowledging this possibility remains “on the table,” he believes any conclusive decision is still some time away, adding that “there’s really nowhere else that Raphoe can go other than with Derry in terms of the border that it shares.”
As per Canon law, bishops typically submit their resignation upon reaching 75, and while McKeown is now 76, he continues to serve, noting the demands of leadership have changed over the years. He admits, “I am much more relaxed now and grateful to have the pressure of decision making off my shoulders.” McKeown, who also chairs the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools, highlighted his lifelong involvement in sports and his good health as positive factors for his post-retirement life.
Looking back, he feels content with his path and the choices he made. Though he expressed a personal longing for family life saying, “I would have loved to have been married. I think I wouldn’t have been a bad husband, bad daddy or grandfather,” he remains at peace with his calling to the priesthood. Reflecting on his career, he said, “I have made mistakes, but I have been blessed to be a priest and a bishop over the past 49 years.” He hopes he has contributed positively to the Church and community, stating, “We just pass on the baton to someone else. I look back only with gratitude.
Read the full article from The BBC here: Read More
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