Bishop Colm O’Reilly will lead an hour of prayer for priests and people of the Diocese of Meath on Wednesday 24 September at 7pm in the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar. All are welcome.
This time of prayer will coincide with the ordinations to the priesthood of Rev. Declan Kelly on 21 September and Rev. Ciaran Clarke on 28 September. Both ordinations will be celebrated by Bishop Smith in the Cathedral.
Speaking ahead of the occasion, Bishop Michael Smith said:
“The Holy Hour will focus on the theme of renewal of priesthood and on vocations to the priesthood. All parishioners are asked to pray for their priests and for vocations. This time of prayer will be an opportunity for the parishes to fulfil this request in common.”
Bishop O’Reilly was the Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois from 1983 until 2013. He is currently overseeing the reconstruction of St Mel’s Cathedral in Longford, a project which is almost completed.
Rev. Declan Kelly (26) attended school in St Colmcille’s, Gainstown and St Finian’s College before he began his studies for the priesthood. At present he is assisting as a deacon in St Mary’s Parish, Navan.
Rev. Ciaran Clarke (32) grew up in Dysart and worked in St Francis Medical Centre, Ballinderry prior to his seminary training which began in 2007. He completed his studies in Maynooth last May. He has served at various times in the parishes of Trim and Tullamore.
Last May, Rev. Robert McGivney (27) was ordained a deacon and he will receive priestly ordination in 2015. A native of Navan, he completed a degree in mathematics at Trinity College before entering seminary. During this final year of his studies he will be ministering in Dunboyne parish at weekends.
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Photo above: From left Rev. Declan Kelly, Rev. Robert McGivney and Rev. Ciaran Clarke.
