SPEAKING in front of his new congregation, and celebrating his first Mass, newly-ordained priest Fr Tim Collins said he feels a “real sense of renewal in the Catholic faith” since the election of Pope Leo XIV.
Fr Collins celebrated his first Mass since his ordination on May 11, telling a packed congregation in his native Croagh parish that “I cannot help but feel right now a real sense of renewal and it has so much to do with timing”.
“Pope Francis had clearly begun a journey of courage and hope and, as Pope Leo XIV stepped onto the balcony at St Peter’s Basilica, and from the global reaction and the new Pope’s words since, I believe that Christ’s mission that Pope Francis followed will be continued.”
Fr Collins said that he was taken aback by the warm welcome he received far and wide following his recent ordination at St John’s Cathedral, presided over by Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy.
“What struck me over the last few days was the support, from my family, my friends, parishioners, but also from people across the diocese, including those who don’t know me personally. There’s been tremendous goodwill and encouragement and this will strengthen me for my own ministry in the future.”
“The priesthood is a gift and a privilege, and I hope that in my own ministry I will be able to be an instrument of God’s grace for his people.”
Fr Collins will remain at that St Nessan’s Pastoral Unit, where he has been assisting across the parishes of Mungret, Raheen, and Crecora over the past 18 months, both in his pastoral placement and as a Deacon.
Congratulating Fr Collins, Bishop Brendan Leahy said the young priest’s ordination “has been a moment of great joy, yes for Tim himself and, indeed, for me personally as a Bishop. But I’ve also been very struck by the joy across the diocese.”
Bishop Leahy said that a priest’s life is made up of many wonderful, deeply fulfilling experiences, meeting people in key moments of their lives, deeming it “a very meaningful way of life that perhaps few understand”.
“Your vocation is a noble one. It is serving a wonderful cause – to be a servant of all of humanity. Through the gift of celibacy, your heart is extended in love to create and build up a universal family,” he told Limerick’s newest priest.