Sunday 28th April 2024 at 3:00 pm in St. Michael’s Church, Tipperary Town
Ordination of Killian Heney to Diaconate
Archbishop’s Welcome
I welcome all who have gathered here in Tipperary town especially Killian’s family, the Parish Community here in St. Michael’s, Tipperary and Killian’s native parish community of Knockavilla-Donaskeigh.
Thanks be to God, for this day, a day in your life Killian, in the life of the community here in Tipperary where you have been engaged pastorally with Fr. Eugene and where you will serve as a deacon as you prepare for your ordination to the priesthood.
Welcome to all of you on this Sunday within the Easter Season – to my brother priests, to the visiting priests and deacons, and students, welcome. To the religious of our diocese present thank you for being here on this special day.
I wish to take a moment to thank all of those who have been responsible for Killian’s journey in formation – those directly involved in Killian’s formation – here with us today is Fr. Sean Corkery, Director of Formation, Maynooth.
Also present with us is Professor Michael Mullaney, President, St. Patrick’s Pontifical University, Maynooth.
My thanks to you and the faculty and staff – academic but also those involved in the pastoral preparation of our candidates for the priesthood.
Today, I received a message from Fr. Paul Finnerty, Rector of the Pontifical Irish College, Rome – where Killian spent a year of his formation- assuring Killian of his and the community’s prayerful support at this time.
Killian, I now turn to the important presence of your family and friends here today:
Thank you, to the Heney Family to Mary, your mother, for your generous support of Killian on his vocational journey. I would also like to thank family members, friends and priests who have given Killian support and encouragement over these years of preparation.
On this occasion we pray for vocations to the different ministries in the church and religious life.
We ask the Holy Spirit to increase throughout the world the number of sacred ministers who are well prepared, enthusiastic, and dedicated to the service committed to them.
+ Kieran O’Reilly
