Wednesday, May 01, 2024

Donegal’s newest priest to be ordained in June

The Raphoe Diocese has announced the ordination date for Deacon Rev Anthony Hartnett.

The 29-year-old Deacon from Stranorlar will be welcomed as the newest priest of the diocese at an ordination Mass on Sunday the 9th of June at 3pm at St Eunan’s Cathedral Letterkenny.

The ceremony promises to be a momentous occasion for both the community and Hartnett himself.

A native of Co. Wicklow, Rev. Anthony moved to Donegal with his family over 10 years ago.

His journey to priesthood was influenced by the inspiring encounters he had with many of Donegal’s priests shortly after his relocation to Stranorlar. 

These interactions, coupled with two years of volunteering with NET Ministries, laid the groundwork for his decision to pursue a vocation in the priesthood. 

In 2016, he began his formal studies at Maynooth.

Deacon Rev Hartnett’s path to deaconhood included a pastoral placement as a Seminarian at St. Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny and as a trainee chaplain in the Mater Hospital.

His ordination to the Order of the Deacon took place at Church of Mary Immaculate in Stranorlar last September.

As the Raphoe Diocese prepares to celebrate his ordination, members of the community have been asked to remember Rev Anthony in their prayers in the coming weeks.