Longford priest 'truly overwhelmed by support and generosity' as he celebrates Golden Jubilee of ordination
Fr Ber Hogan has served in Drumlish/Ballinamuck parish for the past 13 years
The Drumlish/Ballinamuck Pastoral Council hosted a special celebration to mark the Golden Jubilee of Fr Ber Hogan’s ordination to the priesthood on Sunday, June 9.
Fr Ber was ordained on Sunday, June 9, 1974 in St Mel’s Cathedral, Longford.
He has served in Drumlish/Ballinamuck parish for the past 13 years, also in the parishes of Mohill, Longford, Bornacoola, Aughnacliffe, Ballymachugh, and on the Missions in Zambia.
Fr Ber extended sincere thanks to all who joined in celebrating the Golden Jubilee of his ordination.
He said, "I am truly overwhelmed by your support and generosity. It was truly a memorable and emotional day for me and a real parish community celebration. However, it couldn’t have happened without the tremendous hard work and commitment of the Parish Pastoral Council. For this, I thank you most sincerely along with all the other people who helped make it such a memorable day.
"I thank Bishop Paul and my concelebrants. I thank the Choir and musicians, readers, ministers of Holy Communion, altar servers, those who decorated the Church and Community Centre, Vilaim & Bibi for cleaning the Church and doing the photography, The Longford Leader for covering the story, The Community Centre for its use, Anna B for the beautiful cake, Saoirse O’Toole for the cup cakes, Dial a Chef for the food, and many others who helped in different ways. Apologies if I have omitted some people. I thank Martha and Cathal who spoke so eloquently in the Church and Community Centre.
"Most of all I thank you the people of the parish for your love and affirmation - it is you who give purpose and meaning to my priesthood; for this, I am ever grateful. I offer a Mass this week in gratitude for your support and care, invoking God’s blessings on a wonderful parish community."