A priestly vocation is an ‘adventure’

Becoming a priest in Ireland today “can truly be described as an adventure”, according to the Bishop of Ferns.

Speaking at the ordination of Fr Billy Caulfield in Horeswood Parish Church in Wexford on Sunday, Bishop Denis Brennan told the new priest a vocation was an adventure. He said at times “you will feel the appreciation people have for your presence and ministry” and at other times “you will feel the anger/hostility people have for the Church in general directed at you”.

Ordinary

He said for most priests “the heroism of the ordinary” is the biggest challenge they face. “The strength to face every day, the routine, the repetition, believing that what you do is meaningful for others. This is where the heroism of the ordinary becomes very real,”

Bishop Brennan said. “This takes a special kind of courage and plenty of staying power. Anybody can do it for a time, but to do it all the days of your life demands great strength of character and generosity of spirit.”

Cork

Meanwhile the Diocese of Cork & Ross celebrated an ordination on Saturday. Bishop John Buckley ordained Evin O’Brien at his home parish of the Holy Cross in Mahon.

He is the first priest to be ordained from the parish community.