BISHOP of Limerick Brendan Leahy paid tribute to a number of beloved local parish priests who are retiring after many decades of tending to their flocks.
He also expressed gratitude to those taking up new pastoral appointments in parishes across the county, many of whom will take up their new posts on September 5.
Announcing a number of clergy changes across the Diocese, Bishop Leahy said that, ”aside from retirements, changes are necessary to renew the Church’s mission”, “reminding us that our faith is ultimately rooted not in any individual priest, but in Christ himself”.
Bishop Leahy paid tribute, in particular, to retiring priests Canon John O’Shea, of the Mungret/Raheen/Crecora, Patrickswell/Ballybrown, and St Paul’s, Kildimo-Pallaskenry and Kilcornan parishes; Fr John Keating, of Dromcollogher/Broadford, Kileedy/Ashford and Feenagh/Kilmeedy; and Fr Michael Hanley, of Bruff/Meanus/Grange, Banogue, Dromin/Athlacca, Croom, Fedamore, and Manister.
He expresssed his “heartfelt gratitude” for their “generous and fruitful priestly ministry over many years”.
“They have touched countless lives through their pastoral care, their celebration of the sacraments, their companionship with people in moments of joy and sorrow, and their faithful witness to the Gospel.
“I thank them sincerely and wish them every blessing in retirement and I am grateful they will still be able to assist pastorally.”
Bishop Leahy also thanked the priests who will be taking up new appointments “who are moving parish for their generous ministry in the communities where they have been serving. Their willingness to embrace new appointments reflects the spirit of service that lies at the heart of priestly life.”
Reflecting on the nature of priestly life, Bishop Leahy referred to a recent letter from Pope Leo in which the Holy Father wrote: “A fidelity that generates the future is what priests are called to today.”
Bishop Leahy acknowledged that changes of clergy can be emotional occasions for parish communities, saying that “people are often very sad to bid farewell to a priest they have come to know and love. That sadness is itself a powerful sign of the bond that develops between priests and the people they serve. Those relationships are among the great blessings of parish life.”
He said the Diocese also continues to be greatly enriched by the contribution of international priests, who now comprise approximately 30 per cent of priests under the age of 75 serving in the Diocese of Limerick.
“Our international priests make an invaluable contribution to the life of the Diocese. They bring new vitality, different gifts, and experiences, and remind us that the Church is truly universal. Their presence enriches our parishes and broadens our appreciation of the worldwide family of the Church. We are deeply grateful for their ministry,” he said.
Bishop Leahy added that the latest appointments reflect the Diocese’s continuing commitment to ensuring pastoral care for communities across Limerick while responding to changing pastoral needs.
“The willingness of priests to move where they are needed enables us to continue serving our parish communities and proclaiming the Gospel throughout the Diocese. I ask parishioners to keep all our priests, particularly those beginning new ministries and those entering retirement, in their prayers.”