Friday, September 02, 2011

Country's youngest priest ordained for Killaloe diocese

The diocese of Killaloe is celebrating its second ordination in as many months following the ordination of Fr Ger Jones at Saint Flannan's cathedral in Ennis by the Bishop of Killaloe Bishop Kieran O'Reilly SMA. 

Fr Jones, who at twenty-eight is the country's youngest priest, began his studies in Maynooth shortly after graduating with a degree in computer science from the University of Limerick in 2004. 

Fr Jones was educated at Killaloe Boys NS and Saint Anne's Community College. 

He studied at the Irish College in Rome from 2007 and has already held pastoral placements in Ennis and Birr.  

He is the second ordination in the diocese of Killaloe this year following the ordination of Fr Ger Fitzgerald (31) in June. 

Fr Fitzgerald is now working in the parish on Ennis.

Speaking about his ordination Bishop O'Reilly said, “The ordination of Gerard Jones, along with the ordination of Ger Fitzgerald, earlier in the summer are great signs of hope for the people of the Diocese of Killaloe.” 

He added, “The generosity of these young men in offering their lives for the service of God's people is a great encouragement for people of faith.  I invite the people of the diocese to join me in welcoming Ger Jones to the ministry of the priesthood and to pray for him as he begins his mission in the Diocese of Killaloe.” 

Fr Jones celebrated his first mass at Bridgetown church on August 22 last.  

He will now take up an appointment as curate in Nenagh in County Tipperary.