The Council for Catholic Maintained Schools (CCMS) welcomes the appointment of Council member Bishop Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, as the new Bishop of Derry. The appointment comes as His Holiness Pope Leo XIV accepts the retirement of Bishop Dónal McKeown, who has served as Bishop of Derry for the past 12 years and who celebrated the 25th Anniversary of his Episcopal Ordination in April.
Chief Executive of CCMS, Eamonn Broderick said: “On behalf of CCMS, I extend my congratulations to Bishop Michael Router as he prepares to begin this important ministry. He brings a wealth of pastoral, educational and leadership experience to the Diocese of Derry, together with a longstanding commitment to Catholic education as a valued member of the Council for Catholic Maintained Schools. As Bishop Router assumes his new responsibilities, CCMS looks forward to continuing to work closely with him in supporting Catholic education and in ensuring that our schools continue to flourish as communities of faith, excellence and inclusion.
“We also send our best wishes to our Chair, Bishop Dónal McKeown on his retirement after 12 years of dedicated service to the Diocese of Derry. As Chair of CCMS, Bishop McKeown continues to be a steadfast champion of Catholic education, consistently recognising the vital role of schools in nurturing faith, learning and service among young people.”