The Diocese of Achonry celebrated its first ordination to the
priesthood in 10 years last Sunday, when Bishop Brendan Kelly ordained
Paul Kivlehan.
Fr Kivlehan is a native of the Parish of Achonry-Mullinabreena in Co.
Sligo and the ceremony was attended by his family, friends, priests of
the diocese and some of the staff from Maynooth College where he
studied.
It was Bishop Kelly’s first ordination since he became bishop and he
spoke about the significance of the ceremony taking place in the parish
of St Nathy – the patron of the diocese.
“In this Year of Faith, it is no accident that we are having our
first ordination to the priesthood in 10 years, and that that ordination
is taking place here in the parish of the priest Nathy himself, with
whom the faith story of the diocese began, all those centuries ago,”
Bishop Kelly said.
“May this day mark a new beginning for faith throughout our diocese, beginning from this parish.”
Fr Kivlehan celebrated his First Mass in Achonry-Mullinabreena on
Monday June 10, and the church was filled to capacity, with people
queuing up after Mass to receive his First Blessing.
Meanwhile, Fr Sean Crowley was ordained to the priesthood on
Saturday, June 1 in the Church of the Immaculate Conception, Enniskeane,
Co. Cork.
Bishop John Buckley congratulated Fr Crowley, his parents,
family and the people of the parish and expressed a hope that others
would follow in responding to a vocation to priesthood.