This article is from page 15 of the 2013-07-16 edition of The Clare People. OCR mistakes are to be expected so download the original SWF or the rendered page 15 JPG
BISHOP of Inis Cathaigh (Scattery Island) and Auxiliary Bishop of Brooklyn in New York Most Reverend Frank J. Caggiano, was not expecting to have to pick up his own tab when he was invited to a special ceremony on the 6th century monastic island early next month.
A representative for the bishop emailed Kilrush Town Council last week asking if the bishop would be reembursed for his travel expenses.
The council, who issued the in- vite last year, shortly after he was appointed bishop, agreed at this month’s meeting of the council that they did not have the funds to cover the costs.
Kilrush town clerk John Corry told the members that the email was sent from the bishop’s office as preparations were made to book his flights.
“We’ve had different receptions before and we haven’t had to pay expenses. I was proposing to reply on the basis that we certainly would be delighted to welcome him but that we don’t have the budget to cover that,” the town clerk told the members. All members were in agreement. Cllr Liam Williams (FG) said, “We look forward to his arrival and we’ll host a reception for him.” While Scattery Island no longer functions day to day as a diocese, the ancient title is bestowed on a newly ordained auxiliary bishop by the pope. On August 22, 2006, when Bishop Caggiano was ordained Auxiliary Bishop he was given the ancient Irish title. When he arrives on the island in August he will be the first bishop of Inis Cathaigh to do so in living memory.