“We are here to give thanks for the blessings we have all received through his work and his ministry.”
It was a fitting celebration of the ministry of one of the country’s best–loved bishops whose 25 year Episcopal jubilee takes place this year.
Several thousand people attended the ceremony at the Cathedral of Christ the King, Mullingar to congratulate Dr Michael Smith on his work so far and to wish him health and success in the future.
There was standing room only, even for those who arrived early. The Diocesan Choir filled the cathedral with glorious sound as Bishop Smith; Auxiliary Bishop of Down and Connor, Anthony Farquhar; the Papal Nuncio, Archbishop Giuseppe Leanza; and over 100 priests from the diocese formed the entrance procession.
Among the local well-wishers were the Minister Noel Dempsey, local TDs, Senators and politicians, Superintendent John Gantly, and a host of others. Taoiseach Brian Cowen’s envoy Commandant Mick Treacy represented him.
Members of the religious community, sisters, and lay people travelled long distances to offer their congratulations on a quarter century of serving the diocese of Meath which includes Westmeath, Meath, and parts of Offaly.
A parishioner from Mullingar welcomed the Bishop, saying how he “touched the lives of a great many people” and was “deeply involved in the faith life of people of the diocese”.
Other members of the diocese participated in the prayers of the faithful as well as the readings.
To highlight the Bishop’s commitment to Catholic education and to the care of the sick, the scriptures were read by Colm O’Rourke, Principal of St Patrick’s Classical School in Navan, and Agatha McPartland, secretary of the Diocesan Lourdes Pilgrimage.
In his address, the Bishop thanked priests and religious people for their support and friendship over the years. “You have eased my journey and lightened the burden that fulfilling the call to ministry as a Bishop often entails, in our age no less than in ages past.”
“Especially I thank the priests of the diocese for their friendship and support over the years and their dedication and commitment to their ministry in times that are often demanding and difficult.”
He described how he had been called to the priesthood and his own personal journey and career path.
In speaking of the vital role of the congregation, he said “There continues to be many in all our parishes and communities on the side of the Lord, those who continue to live out their faith even if the ambient in which they live it is not as supportive or enhancing as in previous times.”
He encouraged the faithful to continue to “fan into a flame the faith we have received”.
Concluding, he hoped the Lord would continue to grant him the same health and energy he had been blessed with in the first 25 years of his Episcopal ministry which helped him to fulfil his role to the best of his ability. He asked the people of the diocese to keep him in their prayers.
“I try – with all my own personal limitations – to fulfil the call that came to me. What lies ahead is very much in His hands.”
The procession leaving the cathedral was greeted by the Mullingar Town Band before the Bishop and his guests and congregation went to the Mullingar Park Hotel where all who had attended the ceremony were invited for refreshments.
