Bishop Emeritus of Raphoe Philip Boyce will mark the Diamond Jubilee of his priestly ordination with a special Mass in St Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny, this Sunday 10th May.
The Mass will take place at 3pm, with parishioners warmly encouraged to attend and join in the celebration of his 60 years of ministry.
Born in Downings, Bishop Boyce served as Bishop of Raphoe from 1st October 1995 until his retirement on 6th August 2017.
Educated at Derryhassen school in Mevagh (Downings) parish and at Castlremartyr College, Co. Cork, Philip Boyce joined the noviciate of the Discalced Carmelites in Loughrea, Co. Galway, making his first profession in 1959.
Having completed philosophical studies in Dublin, he studied theology at the Teresianum in Rome, where he was ordained on the 17th April 1966.
He received a doctorate in theology (DD) in 1977 with a dissertation on the spirituality of Cardinal John Henry Newman.
During his twenty years on the teaching staff of the Pontifical Theological Faculty of the Carmelites in Rome, he taught spirituality and dogmatic theology, and for many years was engaged in the work of formation of students preparing for the priesthood or doing postgraduate studies.
This Sunday's Mass will offer an opportunity for the people of the Diocese to express their appreciation for Bishop Boyce’s long ministry and service.
A reception will follow in Loreto Secondary School.