The Catholic Bishop of Dromore Dr John McAreavey has announced he is taking a period of sabbatical leave from next February until September 2013.
Bishop McAreavey said that in recent times he and his family had experienced great sadness and tragedy.
He said he had decided to undertake a period of personal renewal, which will include prayer and study in the Holy Land.
The bishop is an uncle of John McAreavey and officiated at the wedding ceremony when his nephew married Michaela Harte in December 2010.
Just a fortnight later, Bishop McAreavey also officiated at Michaela's funeral after she was murdered in Mauritius.
In his absence, the diocese of Dromore will be administered by the vicar general, Monsignor Aidan Hamill.
