Ordination Ceremony
- The Episcopal Ordination will take place in the Cathedral of the Assumption, Carlow at 3pm on Sunday 4th August 2013.
- The chief consecrator will be Archbishop Diarmuid Martin assisted by Bishop Michael Smith of Meath and the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Charles Brown.
- The homily will be given by Monsignor Brendan Byrne, who has served as Diocesan Administrator for the past three years.
- The capacity of the Cathedral is about 750 seats and all places have been allocated as follows –
Along with members of the hierarchy, the attendance will include 200 family and friends of Fr Nulty, 170 parish representatives, 100 diocesan guests including members of local religious communities, a further 100 people in the choir and assisting in the liturgy and 200 priests including priests from Kildare & Leighlin, Meath, religious orders along with classmates and other priest guests. Admittance to the Cathedral will be by ticket only.
- For those who wish to be present on the day and join in the ceremony, you are very welcome to attend the nearby George Bernard Shaw theatre in the Visual Arts Centre or the Cathedral Parish Centre where you will be able to follow the ceremony on screens. Holy Communion will be brought from the Cathedral to both prayer spaces.
- After the ceremony all present will be invited to Carlow College (St Patrick’s) for refreshments.
Live stream via iCatholic.ie
The ordination ceremony will be streamed live on the internet via iCatholic.ie.
The broadcast will begin from approx 2.40pm. More details are available on our diocesan website – www.kandle.ie
Biography
Denis Nulty was born in Slane, County Meath on 7 June 1963 to parents Den Nulty and Nan Balfe. He is the youngest of five children, with two brothers and two sisters. The family farm was the home where Denis and his siblings were reared. He attended Primary School at Saint Patrick’s National School, Slane and Secondary School at Saint Patrick’s Classical School, Navan, completing the Leaving Certificate exam in 1981.
Denis entered the seminary at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth in September 1981, completing a BA in 1984 and a BD in 1987. He was ordained a Priest for the Diocese of Meath in Saint Patrick’s Church, Slane on 12 June 1988 by Bishop Michael Smith in the presence of Bishop John McCormack.
In September 1988 Bishop Smith appointed Father Denis as Curate in the Cathedral Parish at Mullingar where he served for ten years until 1998. In August 1998 Bishop Smith appointed Father Denis as Parish Priest of Saint Mary’s, Drogheda where he has remained until his episcopal appointment to Kildare & Leighlin.
In 2006 Father Denis followed a course of study in All Hallows College, Dublin, leading to an MA in Management for the Pastoral and Voluntary Services being awarded by DCU.
In September 2006 Bishop Smith appointed Father Denis as Vicar Forane for the Duleek Deanery which comprises seven parishes. Father Denis has been Chairperson of the Council of Priests in the Diocese of Meath for the past eight years.
Episcopal Motto and Crest
His Episcopal motto – ‘Serve the Lord with Gladness’ is taken from Psalm 100.
The Crest features a hill with a fire on top recalling the lighting of the Paschal Fire by Saint Patrick on the hill at Easter. Also included is the Cross of Saint Brigid of Kildare. As an ancient Christian symbol the Fleur-de-Lys represents purity, and therefore in turn the Virgin Mary.
The colours in the shield signify the virtues and gifts that Father Denis hopes for himself in his Episcopal ministry and virtues he will endeavour to spread to all in his pastoral care.
- Silver / White – Argent: Signifies truth, sincerity, peace, innocence and purity.
- Gold – Or: Signifies wisdom, generosity, glory, constancy and faith.
- Green – Vert: Signifies abundance, joy, hope and loyalty in love.
- Blue – Azure: Signifies loyalty, chastity, truth, strength and faith.