Two Irish priests received prestigious appointments in Lourdes this week. Bishop Jacques Perrier, the Bishop of Tarbes and Lourdes this week announced the appointment of two County Clare priests as Canon's of the International Marian Shrine in Lourdes.
Canon Micheal McLaughlin PP Kilmaley and Canon Brendan O'Donoghue AP Shannon were both honoured for their longstanding service to the shrine and to the pilgrims from the Diocese of Killaloe who travel to Lourdes every year.
The installation of the new Canon's took place in the presence of the retiring Bishop of Killaloe Dr Willie Walsh and the 500 pilgrims from across the Killaloe Diocese who are participating in the 54th Annual Diocesan Pilgrimage to the Shrine.
The announcement was made at the famous grotto where Our Lady appeared to St Bernadette Soubirous 18 times in 1858.
Canon Brendan was ordained in 1956 and as well as his role in Shannon, he has served on the teaching staff on Saint Flannan's College in Ennis as well as Chaplain of the Irish Emigrant Chaplaincy in Britain.
Canon Micheal was ordained in 1960 and prior to his departure for Lourdes this year a large crowd gathered in Kilmaley parish church to celebrate his golden jubilee anniversary as a priest.
SIC: CIN