The celebration Mass for the Episcopal Installation of Bishop Michael Router as the new Bishop of Derry will be held in Saint Eugene’s Cathedral on Sunday, September 20 at 3 pm.

After the Mass, at the front door of the Cathedral, Bishop Router will greet members of the congregation in person.

Pope Leo nominated Bishop Michael Router to be the new Bishop of Derry, after accepting the resignation of Bishop Donal McKeown on July 16.

The County Cavan native is to transfer from the Office of Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh, where he has worked alongside Archbishop and Derry native, Eamon Martin for the past seven years.

Bishop Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh, will be installed as the new Bishop of Derry this Sunday, September 20, in Saint Eugene's Cathedral, Derry (Catholic Communications Office archive).

placeholder image — Bishop Michael Router, Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh, will be installed as the new Bishop of Derry this Sunday, September 20, in Saint Eugene's Cathedral, Derry (Catholic Communications Office archive).

Previously speaking to the Journal back in July, Bishop Router said: "Everyone, not least Archbishop Eamon Martin, who of course is a Derry man himself, has told me it is a wonderful place, and that the people are open, welcoming, and friendly. I discovered this to be very true here this morning.

"I’ve been bowled over by the great welcome I’ve received, and I am very thankful for it. I look forward to working in the years ahead with the priests and people of this wonderful diocese, and I feel very privileged to have been asked to take on this role.”

Speaking directly to the people of Derry, he added: “Derry is a wonderful place. The reputation of Derry resonates throughout the world on so many different levels. It's a wonderful place to live. It's a wonderful place to be. I am very privileged to now be here among the people of Derry and to be given the task of shepherd here in this diocese. It is one that I look forward to. I hope that I will be a person of faith that will provide some guidance and inspiration to them in the years ahead. I want to thank them for their welcome so far and I look forward to getting to know as many people as possible in the years ahead.”

Bishop McKeown, who is stepping down after a 12 year tenure as Bishop of Derry, welcomed his successor as a man who brought ‘great experience and wisdom’.