Information service of the Pontifical Mission Societies since 1927
Vatican City (Agenzia Fides) – Cardinal Ivan Dias, Prefect of the Congregation for the Evangelization of Peoples, on January 1, 2010, appointed Fr. Gary Howley of Saint Patrick's Missionary Society, National Director of the Pontifical Mission Societies in Ireland for a five-year term (2010-2014).
The new National Director was born October 25, 1952 in Clonmel (Diocese of Waterford and Lismore) and, after studying theology in Kiltegan, was ordained priest on June 7, 1980 in the Church of Saint Mary, Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin, by the Bishop of the Diocese of Abakaliki, Nigeria. From 1980 to 1985 he worked in the Diocese of Abakaliki (Nigeria) as pastor and in the minor seminary. From 1985 to 1989, he worked in Ireland in the office for the promotion of St. Patrick's Society for Foreign Missions, and in 1990/1991 he was parish priest in the Archdiocese of Lusaka (Zambia). In 1991/1992 he studied journalism in the United States of America. Upon his return he was: Director of the magazine of the Society of St. Patrick "Africa" (1993/2003), Secretary of the Religious Press Association (1995/2001), the Regional Superior of St. Patrick Missionary Society (2004/2008), Executive Member of the Irish Missionary Union (IMU) (2004/2008). (SL) (Agenzia Fides 8/02/2010)
