Monsignor Liam Kelly welcomes appointment of Father Michael Router as Auxiliary Bishop of Armagh

I warmly welcome the appointment of Father Michael Router as Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Armagh and I was wish congratulate him on his new appointment.

Father Router was born in the townland of Rahardum near Virginia in Co Cavan and has ministered here in the Diocese of Kilmore since his ordination to the priesthood in June 1989.  He taught and undertook chaplaincy work in Saint Patrick’s College, Cavan, and at Bailieborough Community School before doing further studies in Mater Dei Institute, Dublin, in 2002.

Father Router was director of Adult Faith Formation in the diocese before being appointed the director of the Diocesan Pastoral Centre in Cavan in 2010.  He served for brief periods as curate in both Killinkere and Cavan parishes and for the past five years he has been parish priest of Killann, being based in the town of Bailieborough.

Father Router is a man of strong faith, has good leadership qualities and is a hard-working and gifted priest.  He was very popular wherever he ministered.  He will be missed greatly in the parish of Killann and in the Diocese of Kilmore.  However, he will be a great asset to the Archdiocese of Armagh and we wish him every blessing in his new role.

As Father Router prepares to take up his new post I assure him of my support and prayers and I ask the people of the Diocese of Kilmore and of the Archdiocese of Armagh to pray for him that God will bless and guide him in his new ministry.