By Paddy Walsh
On an occasion blessed by its solemnity and the music and song of the combined choirs, St. Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny played host to the ordination of Stranorlar man, Fr. Anthony Hartnett on Sunday.
A packed congregation watched the ceremony as he was ordained into the priesthood by former Bishop of the Raphoe Diocese, Alan McGuckian.
A native of County Wicklow, Fr Anthony and his family came to Donegal over ten years ago and made their home there. And it was there that he made the decision to become a priest.
In his remarks at the outset of the ceremony, Bishop McGuckian said it was a “great joy” for him to be back in the Raphoe Diocese “particularly on a day as joyful as this”.
He offered a special word of welcome to Fr. Anthony’s parents, John and Yvonne and his siblings and remembered his brother, Peter, who had been called to heaven in 1990. “We know he will intercede for Anthony today.”
The Bishop also welcomed nephews and nieces and Anthony’s friends from different communities.
He indicated that Bishop Philip Boyce had been unable to attend the ordination due to another obligation that he had committed to before the ordination date had been set.
A packed St Eunans for the ordination on Sunday in Letterkenny.
In his homily, Bishop McGuckian referred to the Hartnett family and Anthony’s friends. “It is they who helped you become who you are.”
His family and friends and the clergy of the Diocese had brought him here to his ordination. When people turned to him they would do so looking for leadership and guidance.
“You have been chosen by the people of God to be a priest. You as a priest will bring Jesus into the world.”
Also addressing the congregation, Mons. Kevin Gillespie thanked everyone who had made the day possible, the various groups involved and all who had participated in the ceremony including the combined choirs under Fr. Michael Carney and Gabriel Fitzsimons.
“I’d like to thank Bishop Alan for coming back to ordain Anthony. It is wonderful to have him with us today.”
They were very grateful to the committee of Trinity Hall for making the premises available for the refreshments afterwards.
Later in Trinity Hall across Cathedral Square, many of the congregation gathered to continue the celebrations.
Making a presentation including an altar missal and Holy Oils, on behalf of the Diocese, Mgs. Gillespie extended the Diocese’s congratulations to Fr Anthony and prayed for a strong ministry in the Diocese wherever he was sent.
The choir at the the ordination at St. Eunans Cathedral.
In response, Fr. Anthony reiterated thanks to all who had been involved in the Ordination ceremony including Bishop McGuckian. “I also want to thank Bishop Boyce who accepted me into the Seminary back in 2016.”
When he and his family moved to Stranorlar the parish had welcomed them with open arms including Fr.Kieran McAteer, the local parish priest.
“A lot of work has gone in to prepare for this day and I want to thank everybody.”
Fr. Hartnett also offered praise to the religious and his fellow seminarians who had been such a support as he prepared for the priesthood.
He also acknowledged his friends, many of whom were present, and had prayed for him and were always there.
In conclusion, Fr. Anthony thanked his family for their constant support from the very beginning. “They have also been there for me when, at times, I may have been questioning this pathway and helping to respond to this call.”
He mentioned in particular his mother and father, the latter recovering from an injury following an accident. “Mum and dad, thank you.”
Fr Hartnett celebrated his first Mass in the Church of Mary Immaculate in Stranorlar on Monday evening before another large congregation of parishioners and family and friends.
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