Monsignor Eamon Martin, 51, the administrator of the Diocese of Derry, is about to become the next leader of the Catholic Church in Ireland. He will be the youngest bishop or archbishop in Ireland when he is inaugurated in a few months.
He is one of 12 children from a working class area of Derry. His nickname among fellow clerics is ‘the machine’ for his hard working habits.
According to the BBC, Monsignor Martin has been appointed as assistant Archbishop of Armagh in an announcement by Cardinal Sean Brady on Friday.
Former Bishop of Derry Edward Daly said that Martin was seen as 'a clean pair of hands' after the church's two decade long series of child sexual abuse scandals hit the headlines.
'He does not carry any baggage from the past with him,' Daly told the BBC. 'It's a challenging time for the church in Ireland. He has been asked to lead that church.'
Martin has said the church must learn from the 'terrible trauma' of abuse. 'I think today of all those who have been abused by clergy, and the hurt and betrayal they have experienced,' he said.
'As the words on the Healing Stone at the International Eucharistic Congress remind us - they have been left with a lifelong suffering.
'I am saddened that many good Catholics were let down so badly over the issue of abuse and that some have even stopped practising their faith.
'As a church, we must continue in our efforts to bring healing to victims and ensure that young people are always protected, respected and nurtured.'
The Papal Nuncio in Ireland, American Archbishop Charles Brown played an influential role in selecting Martin say insiders.
Cardinal Brady, who is now expected to step down from his post, has been under relentless pressure to resign over his widely criticized handling of clerical abuse claims.
A BBC documentary last year found that when he was a priest, he had the names and addresses of children being abused by paedophile priest Brendan Smyth, but he failed to alert police or parents.
He has also consistently resisted resignation calls. Brady, 73, announced the changes at Mass in Armagh on Friday, where he conveyed his satisfaction at the developments.
'I am delighted that the man chosen is Monsignor Eamon Martin,' he said. 'I congratulate you most heartily, Monsignor Martin. I welcome you to the city and the Diocese of Patrick.'
The Irish Catholic newspaper has described Martin's appointment as an 'exit strategy' for Cardinal Brady.
The paper's editor, Michael Kelly, told the BBC: 'This is an exit strategy for Cardinal Brady and probably something where this new shadow bishop will take over within the next three or four months,' he said.
'It's been very clear that the cardinal's position has been, to say the least, difficult in the church and the Vatican has been engaged in a search for his successor.
'It seems now they have eventually found a successor who will shadow the cardinal, allowing the cardinal, at least on paper, or at least publicly, to go at a time of his own choosing.'
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Switch to the desktop site to post a comment.seanomelb | Jan 22, 2013, 01:44 AM EST
Martins "opus dei" views would be well investigated prior to the announcement. He's just another Vatican right wing hack.
barneyjo | Jan 20, 2013, 12:49 PM EST
@jacersagain - it would be lovely if your recipe of "the same, but different" would be enough to even kick start a renewal of personal faith journies on the island of Ireland, but in my view, on its own that will not be enough. For what is still missing is the true repentence and remorse of the Church body which is showing in so many ways yet to be lacking amongst senior clergy and Hierarchy, of a kind that WOULD convince many who have fallen away from faith, that now could be a good time to return. While I remain a practicing member of my church community, if anything I am presented with even more evidence now than ever that many good and genuine catholics feel damaged and betrayed by the lies, hypocracy, and the inadequacy of those charged with leading the church on earth. Even now, far too many clergy would still opt for the role of "Moral Policeman" instead of being the custiodian of the God's divine truths which were re-inforced by the ministry of Jesus. When that status quo remains at the heart of the church, then it is going nowhere in my view. As I said previously, I am praying for Eamon Martin in his ministry, but I think even he himself realises that he will have to "buckle up" for a very stormy ride!!!
warlocks | Jan 20, 2013, 12:29 AM EST
With Respect & Best wishes to Martin but i really think its too little and too late the Catholic Church killed it for the self you go to Mass and you see old women and very few men the young people are not supporting the church any more. & you cant blame them the kids today are smarter then us old timers they know its all based om lies & Mythologyyou can't brain wash them like we were.
jacersagain | Jan 20, 2013, 12:07 AM EST
Mons Martin is young enough and well-qualified to bring Christ’s message to those who’ve lost faith in the RCC over the Bishop Casey affair (which, in truth, was the undeserved start of the demise of the greatness of true Irish Catholicism, let alone the subsequent revelations of child abuse horror). Only by hard-headed holiness and shrewd example will Archbishop-designate Martin of Armagh lead Ireland’s atheist media-blinkered people back to its true Catholic heritage. I think all Irish Catholic people who deserted the Church in recent years will look forward to that forgiveness from ‘Cardinal-in-waiting’ Martin, and begin to rediscover their not-lost faith - and grow again in or Christ’s love.
jacersagain | Jan 20, 2013, 12:04 AM EST
@ barneyjo … all bishopric appointments within the RCC are made after real, in-depth analyses of bishopric potentiates’ contributions to spreading the deep, simple message of Our Lord Jesus Christ and after much considerations and prayers for guidance by the Holy Spirit of Wisdom by the people in the Vatican actually charged with making recommendations for bishoprics. I trust in their decision on Mons Martin. I hope Mon Martin has the same determined balls, as our present leader of our Christ’s RCC in Ireland Cardinal Brady has, to shout down populist media-led opinion and stick with undeniable truths in the newly-emerging, truth-denying, media-led, Irish society of today. (I still wanna know who is misleadingly teaching Irish journalists in his/her wayward ways).
tombegs | Jan 19, 2013, 07:57 PM EST
WOW!!!! This could represent the first time since John XXIII died that the Church had honestly tried to read the signs of the times.
barneyjo | Jan 19, 2013, 07:14 PM EST
I think everyone will want to give Eamon Martin a Fair Wind. He is still a Vatican appointee which means he is seen as a safe pair of hands. I notice that in the course of his remarks when speaking to the media in Armagh, he gave a significant name check to Ian Elliott,the man who heads up the Irish Bishops child protection agency. Which can only be a good thing. The words "poison chalice" come to mind, but I am sure I will join with many others in wishing Monsignor Martin well in his new role, and I will offer my prayers for his successful endeavours!!
barneyjo | Jan 19, 2013, 07:14 PM EST
I think everyone will want to give Eamon Martin a Fair Wind. He is still a Vatican appointee which means he is seen as a safe pair of hands. I notice that in the course of his remarks when speaking to the media in Armagh, he gave a significant name check to Ian Elliott,the man who heads up the Irish Bishops child protection agency. Which can only be a good thing. The words "poison chalice" come to mind, but I am sure I will join with many others in wishing Monsignor Martin well in his new role, and I will offer my prayers for his successful endeavours!!
barneyjo | Jan 19, 2013, 07:14 PM EST
I think everyone will want to give Eamon Martin a Fair Wind. He is still a Vatican appointee which means he is seen as a safe pair of hands. I notice that in the course of his remarks when speaking to the media in Armagh, he gave a significant name check to Ian Elliott,the man who heads up the Irish Bishops child protection agency. Which can only be a good thing. The words "poison chalice" come to mind, but I am sure I will join with many others in wishing Monsignor Martin well in his new role, and I will offer my prayers for his successful endeavours!!
seanomelb | Jan 19, 2013, 06:02 PM EST
Thankyou fo the info Jacer
jacersagain | Jan 19, 2013, 04:23 PM EST
Gearoid - Had the same problem; just hit the Submit button once, wait a few seconds, then click on 'See all comments'. Your first-time 'Submit' should then show up. Congrats to Mons Martin, God bless him in his future role.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:06 PM EST
Sorry about those multiple entries, below as the "submit" button seems to be going haywire again.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:05 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is totally unnecessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
Gearoid4 | Jan 19, 2013, 03:04 PM EST
Monsignor Martin is a thoroughly decent, able and orthodox pastor who will bring a refreshing realism to the onerous tasks ahead of him as the new coadjutor Archbishop of Armagh(soon to be the next leader of Ireland's Catholics) @Ripley He is very much against the introduction of the evil of abortion into Ireland and recognizes that it is necessary to have it enacted as doctors possess the authority and expertise to intervene in emergency situations without it, to save the life of the mother(and baby if possible). He is also very much a supporter of the Vatican 11 call to the laity to take up their roles in the Church and women in particular.
ripley838 | Jan 19, 2013, 12:12 PM EST
I don't know anything about the monsignor. Is he a member of Opus Dei? Or the Pius X Society? Where does he stand on the issue of abortion to save the life of a mother? Does he think women deserve a strong/stronger voice in the church?
CitizenWhy | Jan 19, 2013, 11:04 AM EST
This is a very smart move by the Vatican. The current crop of bishops are rife with hostilities for each other, and especially for the Archbishop of Dublin. Mostly he's not a member of the cozy (howver hostyile) club of current bishops and will bring no agenda from any of the factions. If the Vatican is set on reforming the Irish church and dropping the number of dioceses, then they need someone outside the bishops' club to forge ahead. He's an outsider but he no doubt knows the ins and outs of the Irish church sufficiently to be an effective reformer. And he's probably too young to be involved in a any sex scandal
RichardP | Jan 19, 2013, 09:11 AM EST
I know nothing about this man but I hope he is a better man than his predecessor. Although it makes little difference to me I wonder why the other Martin was overlooked - politics perhaps? Such a shame that the one decent Archbishop the country has had in so many years gets bypassed
Seanmor | Jan 19, 2013, 09:09 AM EST
I'm glad to hear that the new Archbishop of Armagh and Primate of The whole country is a Derryman(not A Free Stater). The article quotes Bisho Daly as follows: "He[Mansg. Martin] does not carry any bagage from the past". Propably Daly was referring to child abuse, but if Martin had ever shown any sympathy for the Northern Nationalists during the 'Troubles', he may not be quite acceptable to some Dáil members, especially those T.D.s who regard the North as alien soil and it natives foreigners.