On the Feast of the Assumption Columban priests who are this year celebrating the jubilee of their ordination gathered in Dalgan for a Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving.
The main celebrant for the concelebrated Mass was Fr Joseph Hargaden who is marking 60 years of ordained ministry. The homilist was Fr Malachy Symth who is also marking 60 years since he was ordained.
They were joined at the altar by their classmates Frs Brendan Lovett, Ray Collier, Norman Jennings, Bernie Steed. Fr Jerry Murphy who is in the Nursing Home in Dalgan joined the jubilee group for lunch together with his family. Fr Richard Martin celebrated his Platinum (70th) in the Nursing Home in Dalgan. Fr Paddy Conway, Diamond Jubilarian from Clare, was unable to be present.
All photos: Fr John McEvoy
Meanwhile Frs Seamus Cullen and Tom Tehan celebrated their jubilees in Japan.
The celebration also remembered Columbans Frs Reg Howard celebrating in Australia and Tom Shaughnessy in the USA and Fr Tom Rouse, who is celebrating his golden jubilee in New Zealand.
The theme for the day was from St Columbanus: “We are pilgrims as we journey on the road together.”
In his homily, Fr Malachy Smyth described the occasion as one of joy. Over the years he said he had greatly appreciated God’s goodness and mercy. The journey wasn’t always easy but God was also present in the challenging and difficult moments.
He described life as a riddle of living, loving and suffering and this is common to all. “The Lord was with us all along the journey,” Fr Malachy said and he thanked people for their great kindness down through the years. He concluded by expressing ‘Ad multos annos’ to all his classmate.
Fr David Kenneally, Regional Director, thanked all the Jubilarians for their very dedicated contribution to the Missionary Society of St Columban.
After the liturgy a festive meal was held for the jubilarians, their families and the community in Dalgan.
