Historic ordination in Kilcloon parish

Visitors from several continents joined parishioners in Kilcloon and Batterstown to celebrate the ordination of Fr Stephen Kelly in Kilcloon Parish Church last Sunday afternoon. Among those taking part in the ceremony, celebrated by Bishop Michael Smith, were Bishop Paul Walsh from New York and priests from Ghana, Ethiopia, Croatia and Thailand, as well as students from Rome, where Fr Stephen has studied for the past six years. Fr Kelly's ordination was the first in the Kilcloon-Batterstown parish for 500 years. The ordination was a very special occasion for the young priest's parents, Noel and Helen, and his sister, Clare. Fr Stephen was a pupil at Rathregan National School and St Peter's College, Dunboyne, before completing his studies at UCD and the Gregorian University in Rome. Complimenting the parish choir and all the members of the ordination committee, Bishop Smith recognised that the ordination carried particular significance for local parish priest, Fr Gerry Rice, who recently recovered from illness and has looked forward to the ordination of his young parishioner. Priests who have previously served in Kilcloon-Batterstown parish also joined in the celebrations, including golden jubilarian Fr Gerry Stanley, Fr John Brogan, Fr Oliver Skelly and Fr Michael Cahill. Bishop Smith introduced the ordination ceremony by welcoming Stephen Kelly and outlining the steps he has taken to date. He said: "Today we gather with Stephen, who following his education in the parish and in the new secondary school in Dunboyne, graduated from UCD. It was then that he made his decision to follow the path of priesthood, residing at the Irish College in Rome. These are the simple facts but they hide a deeper inner journey, extending over several years, of reflection, prayer and discernment as Stephen sought to answer the call to priesthood. "At this moment, Stephen is seated with his family and among the community. It is a simple gesture but it reflects that his vocation comes from the faith of his family and community. As Pope Benedict said recently, a new priest says 'yes' to God's will. Saying 'yes' to God takes nothing away from his own life but helps him to enter more deeply into the truth of his being and the ministry which he begins. Saying 'yes' takes courage and generosity, as Stephen has shown, but it is a positive and powerful choice which gives meaning and purpose to life." Bishop Smith offered a special word of thanks to Helen and Noel Kelly. He asked the parishioners to keep Stephen in their prayers. "He is ordained for service in our diocese," he said "but he is drawn from among you and there is a special obligation on you to accompany him in your prayers. No-one leaves one's personality or limitations behind when ordained and the prayerful support of family, friends and the community remains an integral part of the new priest's life." Fr Kelly celebrated his first Mass in Batterstown Church on Monday evening at 7pm.