Pope Francis has appointed Monsignor Eamonn McLaughlin as a new Canon for the Chapter of the Papal Basilica of Saint Mary Major.
This role involves pastoral duties at the basilica, home to the icon of Our Lady, Health of the Roman People and the oldest church in the west dedicated to Our Lady.
The announcement, earlier today, comes under a month since the Pope made the appointment of the Downings native to the position of adjunct under-secretary of the Formation Office of the Dicastery for the Clergy at the Vatican.
This is his third designation after he was appointed a Monsignor at the end of the summer by the Pontiff.
Monsignor McLaughlin (46) is a native of Downings in the parish of Mevagh and his mother Mary and brother still live there. His late father Denis died in December 2022.
Monsignor Eamonn McLaughlin with Pope Francis.
He was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Boyce in 2002 and went on to serve in the Raphoe Diocese as a Curate in Fintown, Lettermacaward and Doochary and as a Curate in St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny.
Monsignor McLaughlin studied in seminaries in St. Patrick’s college, Maynooth, the Seminary of Paris and completed further studies in Rome while carrying out research in Germany.
“Monsignor McLaughlin is very much a person with a passion for supporting people pastorally,” a spokesperson for the Raphoe Diocese said this evening.
Monsignor is one of seven Canons appointed today.
The new Canons will take possession of their Office during the celebration of Vespers on Sunday, 28 April next, at 16:30. Thereafter, the new canons will concelebrate the Eucharistic celebration at 18:00.
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