Home parish honours bishop in jubilee year

Bishop Michael Smith's home parish of Oldcastle and Moylagh marked the 25th anniversary of his episcopal ordination with a Mass in Brigid's Church last Wednesday. Parishioners turned out in large numbers to mark the occasion and were joined by members of Bishop Smith's family. Bishop Smith was joined in celebrating the Mass by Fr Ray Kelly, PP, Oldcastle and Moylagh, and Fr John Brogan, PP, Donore, who is also a native of the parish. A sculpted plaque commemorating the occasion was unveiled in the church. The bishop was presented with a cheque for €5,000 for the Burma Appeal, which had been collected by parishioners to mark the occasion. Making the presentation, Cllr Oliver Fox spoke of how proud the people of the parish were of their native son. He said he was particularly proud as both his family and Bishop Smith's family came from the one area. The Mass was followed by refreshments in the show hall. Bishop Michael Smith was ordained by Cardinal Tomas " Fiach at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar, on 29th January 1984. The last such celebration of the silver jubilee of a bishop in the biocese was that of Bishop Thomas Nulty in 1891. Coincidentally, both of these bishops were natives of Oldcastle. Earlier this year, a large congregation attended a Mass of Thanksgiving in Navan to mark the jubilee and Bishop Smith was also honoured with a civic reception at Navan Town Hall. Bishop Smith is Parish Priest of Navan.