On Saturday 22nd April 2023, the Dalgan class of 1973 celebrated the 50th anniversary of their ordination to the priesthood.
While celebrations also took place in Fiji and the Philippines, here in Ireland three Columbans came together to celebrate the happy anniversary.
Columban missionaries: Frs Gerry Neylon, Declan McNaughton and Jim Fleming, who celebrate the golden jubilee of their ordination this year. Photo: Columban Mission Images.
The three were Frs Jim Fleming, Gerry Neylon and Declan McNaughton. They gathered in Fr Jim’s home parish of Castleisland, Co Kerry for Mass and were joined by Columbans Frs Tom O’Reilly and Paul McMahon.
Fr Jim’s nephew, Fr Larry Ryan from Brooklyn Diocese, and Castleisland parish priest, Fr Mossy Brick, also took part in the liturgy.
Frs Jim Fleming, Gerry Neylon and Declan McNaughton gathered in Fr Jim’s home parish of Castleisland, Co Kerry for Mass and were joined by Columbans Frs Tom O’Reilly and Paul McMahon. Fr Jim’s nephew, Fr Larry Ryan from Brooklyn Diocese, and Castleisland parish priest Fr Mossy Brick were also part of the celebration. Photo: Columban Mission Images.
This year’s Columban Jubilarians are: Frs Jim Fleming, Declan McNaughton and Pat Sayles in Britain, Frs Ed O’Connell in Peru, Neil Magill in Myanmar, John Leydon in Philippines, Frank Hoare in Fiji, and Gerry Neylon in Ireland.
Ad multos annos!
We also remember Frs Joe Walsh and Roddy Grealish who are sadly deceased.
Mass in the parish of Castleisland, Co Kerry. Photo: Columban Mission Images.