By Tommy Curran
MONSIGNOR Kevin Gillespie received a warm welcome when he returned home to Gaoth Dobhair last Saturday to celebrate his Silver Anniversary Mass in St. Mary’s Church, Derrybeg.
There was a very large turnout for this joyous occasion with family members traveling from as far as the United States, Scotland and other parts to be present.
The concelebrant priests were: Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh, P.P., and three other Gaoth Dobhair born priests: Fr. Nigel Ó Gallchóir, (Brinalack) P.P., Annagry Fr. Seán Ó Gallchóir, (Cotteen), former Parish Priest of Gortahork, and Fr. Cathal Ó Fearraí (Lunniagh), former P.P., Killymard, Donegal Town.
The beautiful singing and music throughout the Mass was performed by Clann Uí Dhomhnaill, Letterkenny and Carrickfin.
Monsignor Gillespie, speaking during the ceremony, thanked everyone for their good wishes and generosity.
He said he could vividly remember his ordination day in St. Eunan’s Cathedral, Letterkenny.
The cavalcade then accompanied him to Teach Neddie in Stranacorkra where a platform was erected.
“It was a memorable day but sadly many of those present there on that day have since gone to their eternal reward,” he said.
He recalled saying his first Mass the following day in St. Mary’s Church, Derrybeg and the congregation going down afterwards to the old church in the Glen where a reception was held.
He remembers serving as an altar boy when Fr. Michael Sweeney was P.P., in the parish. He added that he always looked up to Fr. Michael and said he led by his good example and extended his good wishes to him.
He said he always delighted in visiting his native parish where the flame of faith is still as strong as ever.
He added that he is very proud of his parish and he thanked the people of the area for remaining faithful to Irish language and culture.
Fr. Brian Ó Fearraigh P.P. thanked Monsignor Gillespie for his 25 years service here in Ireland and also abroad.
He said it’s nice that he returned to ‘na sean fóide’ to celebrate his Silver Anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood.
He complimented Monsignor Kevin for his hard work in ministry and especially the extra role as Administer of the Diocese which was recently allocated to him. He wished him well in the years ahead.
Monsignor Kevin is a son of the late Ownie Neddie Eoghain Ruidh Gillespie of Stranacorkra, Derrybeg and the late Bridie Thomáis Mhuiris (née Coll), Meenaniller.
The youngest of a family of six, Monsigor Kevin received his primary education at Scoil Mhuire, Derrybeg and his post primary education in St. Eunan’s College, Letterkenny.
Among those who would have great influence on him would be his parents, his late uncle Fr. Joe Gillespie who served for many years in Phoenix, Arizona, his aunt Sr. Paula Gillespie and especially his other aunt, Mary Neddie who was a pillar of strength for him when his mother, Bridie (49) died in September, 1979.
After Mass Monsignor Gillespie was joined in Teach Mhicí, Derrybeg with his family, neighbours and friends for an evening of celebration.
May Monsignor Kevin’s path be forever illuminated by the Lord’s grace for a long and faithful pastoral ministry.
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