A Cork man who had his first thoughts of entering the priesthood as a child will be ordained a deacon for the Diocese of Cloyne later this month.
Tiernan Burke from Whitechurch will be ordained a deacon in St Patrick’s Church in his home village on August 30. He will be ordained a priest for the Diocese of Cloyne next year.
The 40-year-old believes he is coming to his vocation at a good age, with maturity and life experience.
While studying for hotel management in what is now the Munster Technological University for three years, he worked part time in Whitechurch Service Station and in a local pub.
“When I finished I became manager of the service station and worked there until my departure in 2018.” That departure was prompted in part by the ordination of a local man, Fr John Magner, which reignited his interest in the priesthood.
“Always as a child in the back of my mind I considered priesthood. This thought always stayed with me, but I denied it. I thought about going after my leaving cert, but I felt seven years was a long time to be studying, which I have now completed.
"In 2017 I came to a crossroads in my life, and on a few different occasions the desire to become a priest resurfaced.
"At this time, Fr John Magner was preparing to get ordained. I knew him as he lived in my village and I truly admired his bravery as he journeyed through seminary. I received an invitation to Fr John Magner’s ordination to priesthood which was in St Colman’s Cathedral in Cobh.
His ordination was the most powerful ceremony that I was ever at and during the ceremony I could feel the presence of the Holy Spirit.
He recalls that an invitation by a priest at the reception to anyone present who would like to become a priest led to everyone at his table looking at him – a move he considers to have been a “little sign from God”.
However, his devotion to God began in his own home as a child, he says. He remembers attending Mass every morning before attending secondary school at the Missionaries of the Sacred Heart in Carrignavar.
He adds: “There was only a few students and teachers at the Mass each morning, but I was not embarrassed, as I loved going to Mass and spending time with the Lord.
"Growing up, people that knew me suggested to me to think about priesthood, but I dismissed their suggestion. Even though deep down I had a desire to become a priest.”
During his years in St Patrick’s seminary in Maynooth, he has seen others drift away from their vocation.
“When I started seminary in Maynooth there was eight in my year. I completed my studies in St Patrick’s Pontifical University in Maynooth.
Over the years six discerned out and went on to do other things. So just Stephen Sherry and I finished.
"Stephen was ordained as Deacon back in June.”
He says that being in touch with other seminarians from across the country, and some from abroad, has been a fruitful experience, particularly hearing “how they are getting on in ministry after they are ordained”.
He adds: “It fuels us, to keep going as parishes need priests. Becoming a priest is a long journey but once you break it down into smaller goals, it becomes very achievable and the time flies.
"I have been very blessed by the support, encouragement and the prayers that I have received from my family, friends and the community of Whitechurch and beyond.”
He says his parents Donal and Geraldine and siblings Darren, Shane and Ciara are supportive of his decision, saying: “They are aware that I am used to hard work and it doesn’t phase me.
"Mass times have been cut due to the supply of priests but people are travelling further to attend Mass. People want to practice their faith.”