New priest for Meath is ‘sign of hope’

The first priest in more than two years was ordained for the Diocese of Meath over the weekend, with Bishop Tom Deenihan saying it is a “sign of hope…despite all the prophets of doom”.

Bishop Deenihan ordained Fr Norman Allred in the Cathedral of Christ the King in Mullingar, Co. Westmeath on September 20,

His ordination was previously arranged for June 21, but because of Covid-19 restrictions it was deferred. His family who reside in the US were unable to be present, but joined the ceremony via the parish livestream facility.

In his homily, Bishop Deenihan said: “An ordination is a sign of hope. It means that Christ is still calling men to the ministerial priesthood, it means that some of those who hear that call have the faith to respond to it and, for us priests, it means fellow workers, new colleagues – even if they are older than the bishop – and, to some extent, a validation of our work and proof, despite all the prophets of doom and our own efforts at times, that priesthood is still a valid and valued calling.

“For those in the parishes of this diocese, it means another priest who will work with and for the people in those parishes, who will celebrate the Sacraments with and for them and who will become a member of their faith community.

“In the years ahead, we will have parishes in this diocese where people will fear the loss of their resident priest. Norman’s ordination is welcome and good news for them in particular.”