DOWN and CONNOR, DIOCESE of. - In Éire. The name D. derives from the Gaelic Dun, meaning fortress. C. likewise derives from the Gaelic Connaire.
Within the territory of D. there were numerous episcopal sees later absorbed by that of D., founded by St Fergus in the sixth century. The city that gave its name to the diocese is now called Downpatrick.
There rest the relics of St Patrick, together with those of other Irish patron saints, Brigid and Columcille. Within the bounds of this diocese was situated the ancient and celebrated monastery of Bennchor (Bangor), where St Columban of Bobbio received his first religious formation (v. COMPALL).
C., founded towards the end of the fifth century by St Macnisse, in turn absorbed several ancient dioceses. St Malachy was bishop of C. before becoming archbishop of Armagh in 1134. When, three years later, he withdrew from Armagh, he became bishop of D. The two sees were united in 1441.
The two dioceses comprise, in 2,419 sq. km, 62 parishes, 124 churches, 208 diocesan priests, 51 religious, 1 seminary, 7 male religious communities, and 30 convents of nuns. Of 755,382 inhabitants, 183,047 are Catholics (1949).
The diocese is suffragan to Armagh; the bishop resides in Belfast.
Dionisio Mac Daid