Bishop Smith and Fr Hinds are joined by friends of the new priest from Italy. Photo: David Gilroy, Firepan Photography.

Bishop Michael Smith celebrated the priestly ordination of Fr Michael Hinds in Trim on Sunday. The Bishop was joined in the liturgy by the parish clergy, Fr Sean Henry and Fr Mark Mohan, as well as priests from throughout the Diocese Meath and futher afield. The new priest Fr Hinds received a rapturous applause, expressing the congregation's joy in celebrating the ordination of a native son.

In welcoming Fr Hinds to the priesthood for the Diocese of Meath, Bishop

Smith reminded all present that the Rite of Ordination begins with a very

simple but deeply expressive gesture. "Michael is seated with his parents

and family, among the community. He is called by the deacon to step forward

to the altar, offering himself for ordination. In taking that step he

expresses the courage to say 'yes' to God's will.

Bishop Smith quoted Pope Benedict XVI: "It is by conforming to God's will

that the priest penetrates more deeply into the truth of his own being and

his ministry".

The Bishop continued: "It is a radical commitment that Michael is making in

offering himself for priesthood. He is giving the very gift of his life, the

greatest gift he can give, to ministry in the name of Christ. He is

committing himself to walk in an aloneness of life that merits the prayerful

support of all. In the final words of the Rite of Ordination, the new priest

is asked 'to model his life on the mystery of the Lord's Cross'.

Fr Hinds' sisters Maria and Anna-Louise took part in the ceremony, while his

parents Ted and Ann proudly congratulated him with a warm embrace.