Address of Bishop Fintan Monahan to Retired Priests of the Diocese, Tuesday, 16th of June, 2026
Dear Brother Priests and all gathered for this occasion,
Good evening and again welcome to you all.
It is a great joy to gather with you today and to have this opportunity to spend some time together in friendship, gratitude, and prayer.
First and foremost, I want to thank each one of you for being here. Your presence is a reminder of the rich history of faith, service, and sacrifice that has shaped our diocese over many decades. Looking around this room, I see men who have:
- baptized generations of Catholics,
- celebrated countless Eucharists,
- comforted the sick and dying,
- prepared couples for marriage,
- accompanied families through times of joy and sorrow,
- and faithfully proclaimed the Gospel in season and out of season.
An Occasion of thanksgiving
Today is, above all, an occasion of thanksgiving. We give thanks to God for the gift of your priesthood and for the countless ways in which your ministry has touched the lives of God’s people. Much of what you have done cannot be measured or fully known. The prayers you have offered, the quiet acts of kindness, the encouragement you have given to those in difficulty, and the witness of your faithful service have borne fruit in ways that only God can see.
Diocesan Gratitude
As a diocese, we owe you an enormous debt of gratitude. The vibrant communities we serve today have been built upon foundations laid by your dedication, perseverance, and love for Christ and His Church. Through changing times and circumstances, you remained steadfast in your commitment to your vocation. Your example continues to inspire younger priests and future generations of faithful people.
A Priest forever…
Retirement from active ministry is not retirement from priesthood. The sacramental character of priesthood remains forever, and your vocation continues to be a precious gift to the Church. While the demands and responsibilities of ministry may have changed, your presence, wisdom, prayer, and experience remain invaluable. Many of you continue to offer pastoral assistance, spiritual guidance, and encouragement to your brother priests. Others sustain the Church through a hidden but powerful ministry of prayer and intercession.
Retired but not forgotten
I want you to know that you are not forgotten. You remain an important and cherished part of the diocesan family. Your wellbeing matters to us. Your needs matter to us. Your continued participation in the life of the diocese matters to us. We are committed to supporting and caring for you, just as you cared so faithfully for the people entrusted to your ministry throughout your years of service.
Personal Gratitude
On a personal level, I want to express my appreciation for the kindness, wisdom, and encouragement many of you have shown to me. Your counsel has often been a source of guidance and strength. The fraternity we share as priests is one of God’s great blessings, and I am deeply grateful for it.
Remembrance and Celebration
As we gather this afternoon, may it be a time not only of remembrance but also of celebration. Let us celebrate God’s faithfulness throughout your years of ministry. Let us celebrate the friendships we share. Let us celebrate the many lives that have been enriched through your priestly service.
Most importantly, let us continue to place our trust in the Lord who first called each of us. He has been faithful throughout your journey, and He remains faithful today. May He bless you abundantly with good health, peace of heart, joy in His service, and the assurance of His loving presence.
Thank you for your years of outstanding service, for your fidelity to your priestly vocation, and for the countless sacrifices you have made for the people of this diocese. We honour you, we appreciate you, and we are profoundly grateful for all that you have given.
May God continue to bless each of you, and may Our Lady watch over you always.
Thank you, and I hope you enjoyed this afternoon together.
One more word of thanks to our dedicated committee who keep a watchful eye on those that might need it:
- Nurse Deirdre Grogan
- Ger Jones
- Tony Casey
- Michael Cooney
- Pat Larkin
Safe home to you all.
Go mbeirimid beo an t-am seo arís!
“Well done, good and faithful servant.” (Matthew 25:21)