MONSIGNOR Kevin Gillespie is on his way back to Donegal later this summer to take up a post as CC at St Eunan’s Cathedral, the Donegal News has learned.
A native of Gweedore, Mgr Gillespie (44) works for the Congregation for the Clergy in Rome while he is also a Papal Master of Ceremonies for Pope Francis. He will replace Fr Eamonn McLaughlin, from Downings, who is going in the opposite direction.
Speaking to the Donegal News yesterday, Fr McLaughlin confirmed that he will travel to Rome at the end of August.
“Bishop Boyce conveyed the news to me a number of weeks ago. I’ll say Mass at 6.30pm on the evening of August 13 – a Sunday evening. It will be followed by refreshments in the Convent. After that I’m off to Rome,” Fr McLaughlin said.
Ordained in 2002, Fr McLaughlin began his ministry in the Italian capital where he worked in the Congregation for the Clergy. He returned home eight years ago, to Leitir and Doochary, before coming to St Eunan’s Cathedral as Curate five years ago.
“I’ve really enjoyed my time back home and we’ll just have to hope and pray that things work out in Rome,” Fr McLaughlin said.
That Clerical appointment in the Diocese of Raphoe was made by Bishop Philip Boyce before his retirement.
However, it is still unclear who will succeed the late Fr Pat Prendergast in the Glenties (Iniskeel) Parish.
Glenties is the only Parish in the diocese currently without a Parish Priest.
Elsewhere, Canon Austin Laverty, PP, VF, Ardara, Mgr. Dan Carr, PP, VG, St Johnston and Canon Denis McGettigan P.P., Raphoe, who are all in their late seventies, are expected to remain in their respective Parishes.
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