Big turnout for Fr Michael Cahill's Silver Jubilee celebrations
There was standing room only available in Johnstown Church for the start of 11am Mass on Sunday morning as a large contingent of people showed up to be part of the celebrations to mark the 25th anniversary since the ordination of Fr Michael Cahill, the PP of Johnstown/Walterstown.
Friends of the popular cleric, relations and members of the local community made up the impressive congregation of people who gathered to show their appreciation to Fr Cahill and how he has contributed to the spiritual well-being of the parish.
Members of the local adult and children choirs were in attendance making their musical contributions to the joyful occasion. Members of the local Indian community also showed their appreciation for the warm welcome he gave them by presenting him with ropes normally given to a spiritual leader; a "guru and philosopher."
When the Mass was completed Mrs Eileen Murphy - leader of the Walterstown Choir, who is also well-known for her unstinting contribution to the running of parish affairs - made a speech on behalf of the community thanking Fr Cahill.
"When you came first 10 years ago we weren’t sure what to expect or make of you, your ways, your vestments and your robes were a bit different. But as the saying goes – don’t judge a book by its cover!," she said.
"Ten years on we count ourselves as being blessed to have a priest like you – one who always inspires and give us direction. You do this in an exemplary way always but during the lockdowns you excelled in it."
She paid tribute to Fr Cahill's "amazing" commitment to the community during the pandemic, sustaining many of those afflicted by loneliness.
She pointed out how Fr Cahill managed a huge parish - on his own. "That is an amazing achievement. We congratulate you most sincerely and wish you good wishes as you celebrate your silver jubilee today. May this anniversary bring happy memories to you.
"May the days ahead be filled with blessings. We pray and have faith that God will give you energy to continue doing the work He has called you to do – but that he will also give you a well-deserved and overdue holiday very soon! Thank you."
Eileen Murphy then called on Aine Madden to make a presentation to Fr Cahill on behalf of the grateful parishioners.
During the course of the Mass the choir sang a hymn composed by Eileen Murphy 'Thanks to Fr Michael.'
The full text of Eileen Murphy's letter is:
"On behalf of our parish we are delighted to mark with you this special occasion in your priesthood journey. Twenty-five years of devotion to God and to the church is certainly worthy of congratulations, celebration and most importantly, thanksgiving to God. In a special way, on this happy 25th anniversary, we thank you for your constant and selfless commitment to God and to us, your parishioners.
"When you came first 10 years ago we weren’t sure what to expect or make of you ….your ways, your vestments and your robes were a bit different …. But as the saying goes – don’t judge a book by its cover!
"Ten years on we count ourselves as being blessed to have a priest like you – one who always inspires and give us direction. You do this in an exemplary way always but during the lockdowns you excelled in it.
"We all felt the hardships and loneliness of the restrictions but you did in particular. In spite of that you took every opportunity and, in fact, created new opportunities to reach out to us - ensuring the churches, with the help of others, were always open, warm and safe.
"You provided the sacraments that you could on a regular and ad hoc basis and your constant presence and availability in the church, at your front door and on your walks was nothing short of amazing. I don’t think you appreciate just how much we, your parishioners, appreciated all that you did – and I’ve only touched on some aspects.
"A lot of us only see you and experience your dedication at weekend masses. I know too that the weekend is very important to you as it gives you the opportunity to meet your parishioners, get to know them and their families and let them know you are there for them. However, the service that you give in so many ways between Mondays and Saturdays is equally important and treasured.
"For example, your dedication and commitment to the children in the school and how you prepare them for the sacraments with the help of their teachers, is inspiring. I know you are inspired by them too as you retell their stories and searching questions to us at mass.
"Visiting the housebound, the sick and the dying is very much top of your priorities and your visits are often the highlight of the month for the housebound in particular. You bring them the spiritual enrichment of the sacraments but it’s also the time you spend and the caring and thoughtful way that you do it that makes it special.
"Another important aspect of your service to your parishioners is the huge amount of time you give to couples as they prepare for one of their most important commitments in their lives – their marriage. And this most often happens late in the evenings when you might feel at that stage like putting your feet up and relaxing instead.
"For all of this and so much more we thank you sincerely Fr Michael. Being the only priest in the parish you are on call 24/7. It is almost impossible for one person but you do it selflessly and without complaint. That is part of your generous commitment to the priesthood of Christ.
"For 25 years you have served the Lord and your parishioners in this special way. That is an amazing achievement. We congratulate you most sincerely and wish you good wishes as you celebrate your silver jubilee today. May this anniversary bring happy memories to you. May the days ahead be filled with many blessings.
"We pray and have faith that God will give you energy to continue doing the work He has called you to do – but that he will also give you a well-deserved and overdue holiday very soon! Thank you."
The words of the hymn composed by Eileen Murphy - 'Thanks to Fr Michael' are:
Chorus: -
For 25 years you have served the Lord
O good and faithful servant.
May the Lord bless you and guide you well
As you continue to serve us here.
We thank you Father for all that you’ve done
Not just for us but for everyone,
You teach us so much in the school and the church.
Thank you for being so good.
Chorus: -
For 25 years you have served the Lord
O good and faithful servant.
May the Lord bless you and guide you well
As you continue to serve us here.
You teach us all about God’s love
In the words you speak and the way you live.
You never get tired of the questions we ask
Thank you for being so kind.
Chorus: -
For 25 years you have served the Lord
O good and faithful servant.
May the Lord bless you and guide you well
As you continue to serve us here.
You are so true to your priestly call,
Reaching out to one and all
Your work is endless but you never complain
Thank you for all that you do
Chorus: -
For 25 years you have served the Lord
O good and faithful servant.
May the Lord bless you and guide you well
As you continue to serve us here.