Silver
Jubilee of Ordination
- Class of 1980-2005
Frs. Patrick Duffy, Thomas Scanlon, Paul Francis Spencer, Martin Coffey,
Patrick Sheridan, John Friel and Hugh McAvoy (R.I.P.)
On 26th June, Frs. Martin, Paul Francis and Patrick Duffy of the Silver Jubilarians celebrated the occasion in St. Paul's Retreat Mount Argus with their families and Passionist Community. Fr. Kenneth preached at the Mass in the Church. Here are some of his words:-
"Today we are grateful to parents of our seven silver Jubilarians and especially to those of Fr. Paul Francis, who are present with us to celebrate this special occasion, for the gift of their sons they gave to God, the Church and the Passionists. Paul of the Cross said, 'The parents of our religious are our greatest benefactors'. The Gospel today speaks to us in strange words- 'Anyone who prefers father and mother to me is not worthy of me.' Here we have a Semitic exaggeration in order to say that God is our primary goal. Only God can fulfil our deepest desires. Don't put anyone else in his place. Don't make them an absolute. Within a right order those who love God first also learn to love family and friends. God teaches us to love one another.
It is for love we are made. We are celebrating today a love affair… the mystery of God's love for Martin, Patrick Duffy, Thomas, Paul Francis, Pat Sheridan, John and Hugh (now deceased). God's love drew them to his service as Passionists and priests. It is a celebration of grace. Before God we all unworthy but extraordinarily gifted by him for the vocation he gives us in life. Today we celebrate 25 years of grace in these men's response.
There is one priesthood in the church - Christ's. All of us baptised share in that priesthood and are called to live it in a variety of ways. Our Seven today are called to serve God's priestly people by acting in the Name of the Person of Christ. At Mass the ministerial priest says - not 'This is Christ's Body' but this is 'My Body'. His identity as priest is in Christ. On Ordination day he is marked …not because he is better than others but because called by Christ to serve in this way.
A priest is called to be present with others on the journey of faith - giving and receiving from the Generous God who is at work in us all. Apart from God, his life has no meaning. Prayer is his great priority…Prayer and the Scriptures. For how can he preach to others the word of God if it is not preached to his own heart. Every priest is also a sinner in need of God's grace, in need of the love and encouragement of the Christ he serves.
In 1980 this class of seven were ordained. They are all very different and all talented. All have held different responsibilities and posts. Through them many people have been blessed in many continents. They have served in Africa - Botswana, South Africa, Nairobi, in India, in America, in Europe - Italy, France, Scotland, England, Ireland. They were and are God's gift to us - each one loved and respected by us, their brother Passionists.
Today we celebrate with Martin Coffey, our present Provincial - Philosopher, mission preacher, compassionate friend, and developer in formation at home and in Africa.
We celebrate Patrick Duffy, preacher, formator in Africa, psychotherapist/, who journeys with people - sharing pain and leading to hope and healing. We celebrate Paul Francis Spencer, superior in St. Mungo's and world expert on Paul of the Cross. We remember, sadly Hugh McAvoy who we laid to rest a few days ago. Renowned for his hospitality - excellent food and lodging In both Africa and at home, he now celebrates 25 years of priesthood with God - seeing him face to face.
At
Mass we take bread, we take wine and give thanks today. We give thanks
also for our Jubilarians . May Christ the High Priest bless you and reveal
his face to you more and more each day.
