Ordinations in Navan and Trim as well as Romania

Navan man Philip McMahon was ordained a member of the Franciscian Order by Bishop Tom Deenihan in St Mary's Church, Navan, on Sunday 22nd June, in a ceremony attended by family, friends, friars, local clergy, and parishioners.

Formerly a Tesco employee in Navan for 12 years, Fr McMahon began to discern he had a vocation during his two years travelling in Australia, where he reconnected with his faith and was inspired by the election of Pope Francis.

On returning to Ireland, he contacted Br Pat Lynch, vocations director for the Franciscians, and attended a 'come and see' weekend at Killarney Friary. Fr McMahon entered the novitiate in 2016 and later completed his studies in Rome, where he met the recently elected Pope Leo.

Meanwhile, in Iasi, Romania, on Tuesday last, 24th June, Deacon Celestin Burca was ordained to the priesthood. He had been helping out in ministry in Navan parish in recent times. Bishop Deenihan and Navan clergy travelled to Romania for the ordination.

In St Patrick's Cathedral, Trim, on Wednesday last, 25th June, Rev Sean Murphy was ordained as a Church of Ireland deacon by Bishop Pat Storey, Bishop of Meath and Kildare.

The ordination service was led by Bishop Storey, with assistance from Archdeacon Katharine Poulton, Canon John Clarke who has pastoral oversight for the Trim and Athboy Group of parishes during their vacancy, and the Diocesan Registrar, Karen Seaman.

Members of Sean’s family were joined by friends, parishioners, lay readers and clergy from across the dioceses. Originally from Bunclody, Co Wexford, Rev Murphy will serve as curate in the Tullamore -Geashill Union.