This Mass is a regular date in the diary for the Archdiocesan Choir, the St Mungo Singers.  This year, it had a special meaning for them, as one of the Jubilarians, indeed the most senior one present, was their own Director, Mgr. Gerry Fitzpatrick, who had celebrated his Diamond Jubilee in March.  He joined fellow jubilarians, principal celebrant Archbishop Nolan and priests from across the diocese on 30th August in St Andrew’s Cathedral.  The cathedral was well filled for the Mass, and the choir, too, were out in force to provide the music for the liturgy.

 

‘Come follow me and I shall make you fishers of men’

In his homily, Archbishop Nolan said he was honoured to be present and to commend the priests celebrating their jubilees for their years of service, some 25 years, some 40 years, some 50 years, and even one 60 years. It was an occasion for them to look back and remember the joy, the enthusiasm and the hope experienced on the day of their ordination.  They had had to trust in God because they did not know where their ministry would take them or what it would entail but they were still here and still serving God and his people.

The Archbishop reflected that Pope Francis at the end of every meeting or event always asks people to pray for him, and so we should pray for these jubilarians and for all priests.  He reminded people that next week would be Vocations Awareness Week, and he asked them also to pray that young people would hear and answer the call of God.

At the end of the Mass, Archbishop Nolan named each of the jubilarians present* individually and invited the congregation to join in congratulating them.  There were whoops from the St Mungo Singers when Fr Gerry’s name was read out, much to the amusement of all.  The Archbishop also mentioned those jubilarians who were unable to be present at the Mass.

* Mgr. Gerry Fitzpatrick – Diamond Jubilee

Fr Willie Monaghan – Golden Jubilee

Fr. Michael Woodford – Golden Jubilee

Fr Anthony Sweeney – Golden Jubilee

Canon Joseph McAuley – Ruby Jubilee

Fr John McGrath – Silver Jubilee

Fr John Mulholland – Silver Jubilee

Canon Thomas White – Silver Jubilee

 

The Jubilarians with Archbishop Nolan