Bishop McKeown marks 25 years of episcopal ministry

Bishop Donal McKeown marked the Silver Jubilee of his episcopal ordination on Sunday afternoon, 26 April, at St Eugene's Cathedral, Derry, as clergy, civic representatives and parishioners gathered to give thanks for 25 years of ministry.

The celebration brought together people from across the Diocese of Derry and beyond — a simple but meaningful moment of prayer, gratitude and community.

In a message read during the Mass, Pope Leo XIV congratulated Bishop McKeown on the occasion of his Silver Jubilee, recognising his pastoral service in Down and Connor and in Derry. He praised his commitment to proclaiming the Gospel and to serving in unity and charity, and imparted his Apostolic Blessing on the bishop, clergy and faithful of the diocese.

A message from the Holy Father

An official message from Pope Leo XIV was also presented during the Mass, marking the occasion of Bishop McKeown's Silver Jubilee and recognising his years of pastoral service. 

The message offers prayerful support and encouragement, acknowledging Bishop McKeown's ministry in both Down and Connor and in the Diocese of Derry, and imparting the Apostolic Blessing on the bishop, clergy and faithful.

👉 Read more about the papal message:

Called to greatness

In his homily, Bishop McKeown reflected on the image of Christ as the Good Shepherd and what it means to live a life of faith today.

He spoke honestly about the pressures of a culture that places fulfilment in self-determination, but pointed to a deeper truth — that we discover who we are when we respond to God's call.

"We find our identity by being called beyond our lonely little world — and by being at peace with being called."

He reminded those gathered that faith is not abstract, but lived — a trust that frees us from the illusion that everything depends on us.

"A life of faith means accepting that God has a vocation, a calling, a unique way for each of us to become a saint."

There was also a strong sense of hope, particularly in the experience of younger people, many of whom are searching for something more meaningful than what the culture around them offers.

The homily concluded with a simple but challenging question:

"Are we ready for the Good Shepherd to call us to greatness — or are we too afraid of that prospect?"

A moment of thanksgiving

Speaking at the end of the Mass, Fr Michael Canny reflected on the significance of the occasion, describing it as a moment to give thanks — even in uncertain times.

He spoke of Bishop McKeown as a teacher and pastor who walks alongside his people, encouraging others to grow in faith and to take part in the life and mission of the Church.

The Jubilee, he said, is not a finishing line, but a moment to look back with gratitude and forward with renewed purpose.

A day of celebration

The celebration concluded with a warm and relaxed atmosphere as people gathered outside the cathedral, greeting the bishop and sharing in the joy of the occasion. 

Photo credit Stephen Latimer Photography