Diocese of Meath welcomes Fr Michael Hinds

On Sunday 17 February, Bishop Michael Smith celebrated the priestly ordination of Fr Michael Hinds in Trim, Co. Meath. The Bishop was joined in the liturgy by Fr Sean Henry and Fr Mark Mohan, as well as priests from throughout the Diocese Meath and futher afield. The new priest Fr Hinds received a rapturous applause, expressing the congregation’s joy in celebrating the ordination of a native son.

In welcoming Fr Hinds to the priesthood for the Diocese of Meath, Bishop Smith reminded all present that the Rite of Ordination begins with a very simple but deeply expressive gesture.

“Michael is seated with his parents and family, among the community. He is called by the deacon to step forward to the altar, offering himself for ordination. In taking that step he expresses the courage to say ‘yes’ to God’s will, not his own.”

Bishop Smith quoted Pope Benedict XVI: “It is by conforming to God’s will that the priest penetrates more deeply into the truth of his own being and his ministry”.

The Bishop continued: “It is a radical commitment that Michael is making in offering himself for priesthood. He is giving the very gift of his life, the greatest gift he can give, to ministry in the name of Christ. He is committing himself to walk in an aloneness of life that merits the prayerful support of all. In the final words of the Rite of Ordination, the new priest is asked ‘to model his life on the mystery of the Lord’s Cross'”.

Fr Hinds’ sisters Maria and Anna-Louise took part in the ceremony, while his parents Ted and Ann proudly congratulated him with a warm embrace.

The First Mass takes place in St Patrick’s Church, Trim on Monday at 7 pm.