Mags GarganTempleport celebrates native’s episcopal ordination
Bishop Francis Duffy returned home to his native parish of Templeport in the Diocese of Kilmore recently for celebrations to mark his ordination as Bishop of Ardagh and Clonmacnois.
The celebrations began with Mass in St Mogue’s Church, Bawnboy, where the bishop was ordained to the priesthood in 1982. Representatives from both church areas in the parish participated in the Mass and the choir comprised of members of the choirs of St Mogue’s, and St Patrick’s, Kilnavart. Bishop Duffy, his family, the clergy and religious, and the large congregation were welcomed by Pat Geoghegan, Chair of the Parish Pastoral Council.
The concelebrants included Fr John Phair, PP Templeport; Fr Gerard Cassidy, PP Castletara; Fr Tom McManus, PP Corlough; Fr Pat McHugh who was ordained to the priesthood with Bishop Duffy and is currently ministering in Killesher; and two natives of the parish – Canon John Murphy, PP Bailieborough and Fr Killian Mitchell, O. Praem, Kilnacrott.
After Mass, there was a social evening in Templeport Resource Centre during which Fr Phair presented the new bishop with a Mass Kit on behalf of the people of Templeport. Bishop Duffy was also presented with a framed version of a well-known local poem, Duffy’s Hill, in calligraphy by local artist, Seanie Cassidy, which is about his home townland of Port.
