FIRST came an audible gasp and then the stunned congregation rose to their feet and applauded the priest who had just told them he was leaving the priesthood for the woman he loved.Few, if any, of the parishioners in Ballymagroarty would begrudge Fr Sean McKenna his new-found happiness, although they were saddened to be losing the priest who had been such a central part of the fabric of their lives.
Born in Gortin, Co Tyrone, and a former student at Maynooth College, he was ordained in 1985.
The 51-year-old priest has spent his entire ministry in the Derry Diocese, where he served as a priest in parishes in Creggan, Long Tower and Ballymagroarty.
In 24 years of dedicated ministry, he had touched the lives of countless people at every sacrament.
"He saw people through happy times and sad times and he was held in the highest regard. This has come as such a big shock not just to his colleagues but to the parishioners," said Diocesan spokesman, Fr Michael Canny.
So popular were his sermons that people travelled across the border from Donegal to attend the Holy Family Church.
"He was a very interesting preacher and well-worth listening to. He was able to give everyday examples to make a point rather than going down the religious path," said one of his travelling fans.
Earlier this year, Fr McKenna, a keen supporter of the Tyrone football team, celebrated his Silver Jubilee as a priest but asked for donations to be made to charities nominated by him in lieu of gifts.
In Buncrana, Co Donegal, former priest Noel Bradley, who is now happily married and a father of two, recalled a recent encounter with Fr McKenna.
"I was struck by how spontaneous and warm and respectful he was," he said.
The former priest said that one of the most difficult things facing priests who leave the priesthood is finding work.
"Naturally he will be looking for work in keeping with his gifts and talents but the Church is not inclined to employ former priests.
"It is obvious in this case that the Church has lost a good man," he said.
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