On Thursday, 16th May 2024, the Lord Mayor of Cork, Cllr Kieran McCarthy hosted a civic reception to honour Bishop Paul Colton on his 25th anniversary as Bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross. Bishop Paul is the longest-serving Church of Ireland bishop of Cork, Cloyne and Ross in 400 years and the second longest serving in history, having been elected on January 29, 1999.

Speaking at the reception, Mr McCarthy said:

Bishop Colton has led a significant contribution to civic, community and charity life over the last 25 years. This work has been crucial to building and strengthening communities in our city. Even against a backdrop of challenges in recent years, he has remained steadfast in his leadership and wise council. I am delighted to be hosting this reception tonight and to be able to acknowledge the dedication and contribution of Bishop Colton to this city.

Chief Executive of Cork City Council Ann Doherty said:

Over 25 years, Bishop Colton has worked in partnership with Cork City Council on a whole range of issues but the community leadership he demonstrated during the Covid-19 pandemic and again during the Ukrainian crisis stands out. Bishop Colton was a key leader in our community response forum and actively contributed to supporting our most vulnerable communities at times of significant need. On this special occasion I extend warm wishes and congratulations to Bishop Colton and his family.

Responding to the Lord Mayor and the Chief Executive, Bishop Colton, expressed thanks for the honour accorded to him by the Lord Mayor and the City Council, and also for the gift of an engraved silver salver and embossed with the coat of arms of the City of Cork. Bishop Colton also said:

No one serves or ministers alone. I wish, therefore, to thank all who I have served alongside and with in ministry over the years here in Cork, Cloyne and Ross, as well as those who we have worked in partnership with throughout the city and community, especially in the Community Response Forum. Facing the challenges first of the pandemic and then the consequences of the war in Ukraine, we discovered that people of many different outlooks and backgrounds can make common cause together in confronting the greatest challenges we face.

I thank especially my wife Susan, Adam and Vera, Andrew and Annie and everyone in my family circle, remembering, of course, with gratitude and affection, my late parents and Susan’s late parents on this special occasion. I dedicate this honour to them and to you all and I thank God for the opportunities we have to serve together.

Earlier in the year, the Lord Mayor and the Bishop planted an oak tree in the grounds of the Bishop’s Palace to mark the Bishop’s 25th anniversary, as part of the annual Civic Service and Festival Eucharist at St Fin Barre’s Cathedral on St Patrick’s Day.

Photos: Darragh Kane