In welcoming you here today I extend a special “Cead Mile Failte” to Frs Kieran and Humphrey from Nigeria; and Fr Saghar from Pakistan.
It is great to have you and you are most welcome.
I hope you are adjusting to the Irish culture and weather.
This is a more normal Holy Thursday where Covid in no longer a main item on the daily news.
The last three years have taught us some truths; our need of others and the importance of personal contact and friendship. We need one another.
In recent times, the Universal church has been on a synodal journey.
We are beginning to note that the richness of the Catholic Church has been its openness to diversity while placing Christ at the centre.
On this Holy Thursday, as we thank God for the gift of priesthood, it is appropriate that we hear what people are saying about priesthood and ministry.
The following two statements sum up much of what is said:
- “Many of those responding to the Synod recognise that the clergy are overworked.”
- “There is a deep appreciation and affection for faithful and dedicated priests and a concern about the many demands they face.”
“appreciation for faithful and dedicated priests.” – Parishioners like a man close to God and close to people.
Concern about overwork & the many demands they face as priests today.
Recent months have not been easy for the priests of Clogher.
An increasing number of you have been most generous in helping neighbouring parishes where there is no priest.
I thank you for your generosity; it follows the example of Christ who humbledhimself to assume the condition of a slave.
There is no easy solution, but the future calls for change and greater lay involvement.
(we will hear more about this on another day.)
And prayer for vocations to the priesthood is so important.
Christ calls on every generation to pray that the Lord of the harvest send labourers into the harvest.
Our year of prayer for vocations, starting later this month, is our effort to do this when we invite especially the young to “Take the risk for Christ.”
Today’s Gospel passage has a comment about Jesus that I have sat with.
“And all the eyes in the synagogue were on him.”
His was a new voice – We in our time need to hear that new voice in every situation and change we face.
Let us not be afraid of it.
Jesus Christ must be our focus.
He is the good Shepherd caring for his flock.
He is the Way, the Truth and the Life.
He is the One who invited us into priesthood, diaconate and religious life.
Trust in Him as we face the future.
My dear people, thank you for your prayers and do pray for me, and for your priests, deacons and religious.