Bishop of Clogher Rev Liam MacDaid, with Raymond Donnelly, after the ordination service at St Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan.
THE first ordination in the Clogher diocese in 11 years took place in St Macartan’s Cathedral, Monaghan on Sunday last, Bishop Liam MacDaid officiating.
The ordinand, Rev Raymond Donnelly (34), is a native of Monaghan town who, during his time of formation, took up several pastoral placements in the diocese, including St Michael’s Parish, Enniskillen and Lough Derg.
After the ceremony, Fr Donnelly was congratulated by the large crowd of well-wishers. His First Mass was celebrated in St Joseph’s Church, Park Street, Monaghan on Monday of this week, after which he gave his first blessing to his parents, Colm and Maureen, and his four brothers.
Fr Raymond will take up an appointment in the diocese at the beginning of September.
A spokesman for Bishop Liam MacDaid’s office said this week that the diocese has seen a resurgence in vocations to the priesthood in recent years.
“There are currently six men undertaking study and formation in St Patrick’s College. Maynooth and the Irish College, Rome.”
Having taught for six years in Our Lady’s Secondary School, Castleblayney, Raymond began studies for the priesthood in 2008 at the Pontifical Irish College in Rome.
He was ordained deacon in Rome by Bishop MacDaid on 9th April last year.
The ordination ceremony was attended by Bishop Emeritus, Joseph Duffy and a large number of priests from the Diocese of Clogher.
Bishop MacDaid extended a warm welcome to all present, especially Raymond’s parents and his brothers, Jonathan, Ciarán, Karol and Colm.
He continued: “It is a day to remember with gratitude for all of us. Every ordination brings joy and strength to the Christian community, knowing that the Word of God will be brought to us and that we will continue to have the Sacraments to nourish, inspire and guide us on our pilgrim journey through life”.
In his homily, Bishop MacDaid stated: “It has been 11 years since we gathered here for the last ordination to the priesthood.
“So, today is a welcome and happy occasion, and we hope it will be an inspiring day for the five clerical students who are following in his footsteps, and for the sixth young man who will join them in September.”
Speaking directly to Raymond, the Bishop thanked him for his generosity in offering his life in the service of God’s people and assured him of his personal support and that of the priests and people.
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