Longford-born priest celebrates 40th anniversary of his ordination

Fr James MacKiernan has been in the priesthood for 40 years. Born in Longford on the Dublin Road and the middle child of seven, he was ordained in St Mel’s Cathedral in 1985. Alongside two other Longford priests who were ordained on the same day by Bishop Colm O’Reilly, the event was well-celebrated in the Longford community. A special Mass was celebrated on Saturday last in St Mel's Cathedral to recognise his years of service.

PICTURES | Huge parish celebration in Longford to honour Fr James MacKiernan

When asked about his memories of his ordination forty years ago, Fr James reflected on how wonderful it was:

“I remember I couldn't sleep the night before. At around half five, I went for a walk. I discovered that the neighbours were planting roses all along the embankment opposite the house with “Congratulations Fr James.” Towards Dublin Road, every house was festooned with bunting, flags, banners, god wishes and congratulations on the event.

“It was a big occasion for the parish and Longford. The cathedral was packed. Fr Pat Murphy, Fr Vincent Connaughton –it was packed for the occasion. Bishop O’Reilly ordained the three of us. It was a beautiful ceremony. There was a reception in the Longford Arms afterwards. It was a day with many, many great memories.”

Changes have happened to Longford over the four decades. Complimenting the rise in multiculturalism, as well as the increase in employability for the Longford people, change has also caused an increase in Fr MacKiernan’s workload. Due to less men following the vocation, where there used to be a priest for every parish, there is often one priest stretching the roles across multiple parishes, schools and nursing homes. Fr MacKiernan mentioned the rise in administrative duties as a result of his role increasing.

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“Today, we don’t even have a priest for every parish,” he said. “There are no priests teaching in schools, or hospital chaplaincy,” Fr MacKiernan said. “There’s been a dramatic and seismic change to people being ordained, but an increase in lay participants. Catechists, finance committees, parish pastoral councils, maintenance of church property. Lay people are in the forefront of the church, which is a significant change during the years. The role of the priest is very much the same.”

Despite the priesthood having less men join the vocation, Fr MacKiernan noted other roles which are taking the forefront:

He reflected on when St Mel’s Cathedral burnt down, calling it a special place in Longford for the locals and visitors alike. He commended the efforts made by the volunteers and redevelopment teams to restore it.

He worked in Zambia for seven years. He deemed it as one of the most special and cherished memories over his 40 years. He made specific comments on the supportive people who have been part of the journey.

Fr MacKiernan hopes to continue his enthusiasm and energy in the future, as he has enjoyed serving people. He has enjoyed and cherished his time as a priest in all his parishes over his lifetime.