The Revd Francois Murenzi, a native of Rwanda, will start work in Athy Union of Parishes on Friday 18 July 2003. The Archbishop of Dublin and Bishop of Glendalough Dr John Neill will preside at a Service of Introduction for Francois at St Michael's Church, Athy, at 8.00 pm.

Francois is the first African to be trained and ordained as a priest in the Church of Ireland and will be the first African minister to be in charge of a parish in the Republic.

A large congregation is expected for the service including many from Bray where Francois has been curate for the past two years. The address will be given by the Revd Baden Stanley, Rector of Bray.

Amongst those who have accepted invitations to the service are local public representatives and clergy from other Churches in the community.

After the service there will be a reception in the parish hall when Francois and his wife, Susan, and their family will be formally welcomed to the parish and the community.

Francois is looking forward to working in Athy. He said, 'I'm delighted with the appointment. I'm looking forward to meeting and working with the people of Athy. I've enjoyed my time in Bray and was very well received."

(Photograph courtesy of the Dublin Diocesan Website)