Bishop makes his first 'ad limina Apostolorum' visit to Rome

All the Catholic bishops of Ireland are in Rome for a two week official visit this mid October.

The "ad limina" visit takes its name from the ancient practice of pilgrimages ad limina apostolorum-- to the thresholds (or tombs) of Sts. Peter and Paul, in Rome. The term refers to the obligatory visit by the bishops of dioceses to the Holy See.

The bishop of a diocese is required to make this visit every five years, as a sign of his communion with the Holy See and in order to report on the condition of his diocese. The bishop is expected to provide an in-depth report on his diocese - called the 'quinquennial report' - which is presented to which is presented to the Secretariat of State, the central administrative arm of the Vatican.

For the Irish bishops, the pilgrimage officially starts on the 16th October 2006, when the Archbishop of Armagh, Dr Sean Brady, leads the celebration of Mass at St. Peter's Basilica.

On the 28th October, the Pope will address all the Irish bishops, offering his perspective on the challenges facing the Church in Ireland. The Holy Father, Pope Benedict XVI will also meet the bishops individually.