Courtney McGrail“It is good to be alive; it is better to live as a priest; it is best to be a priest in the Diocese of Meath!” So declared Fr Oliver Skelly, parish priest of Coole, on the 25th anniversary of his ordination. Prior to becoming parish priest of Coole, where the anniversary Mass was celebrated in a context of vocational promotion, the Kells native served in the parishes of Tullamore and Kilcloon.
The previous day, June 30, saw Fr Martin Halpin of Ballinabrackey celebrating his own 25th anniversary as a priest. Previously based in Clara and Trim, the Delvin native has been at Ballinabrackey for nine years.
In his homily he reflected on the theme of celebration, noting that a priest is often described as a celebrant, and saying that Christian celebration is indifferent to victory and defeat, but instead celebrates “the loving presence of God and His call to holiness of life”.