Bishop Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath, has welcomed the newest priest to the Diocese of Meath with the ordination of Father Conor McGee on Sunday 19 June in Tullamore Parish.
A native of Sandyford, Co. Dublin Father McGee’s mother Anne was originally from Tullamore where the new priest will now spend the summer months before receiving his first appointment in the Diocese of Meath.
Among those in attendance at the ordination were Father McGee’s sisters and their families, as well as forty priests from Meath, Dublin and elsewhere. His sisters Ursula O’Dwyer and Christine McGee presented the chalice and paten to the Bishop, while Sr Brid Geraghty and Father Jack Finnegan vested Father McGee in his priestly vestments during the ceremony.
Bishop Smith paid tribute to Father McGee for his generosity and faith in following his vocation. “It takes huge courage to give your life today as a priest”, the Bishop said. “It’s a really radical statement, being willing to put the service of people and the service of God at the centre of your life”.
Father McGee began his studies for the priesthood at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth in 2010. The seminary was represented at the ordination by Father Paul Prior, Dean of Formation.
Speaking at his ordination ceremony, Father McGee thanked all who guided him along the path to priesthood. “In particular, I want to acknowledge the generosity of Bishop Michael Smith, who made this possible for me when he opened the door and accepted me as a candidate and he has supported me throughout my seminary years” Father McGee said.
Father McGee will celebrate his First Mass in the Church of the Assumption, Tullamore at 6.30pm this evening.
A second ordination will take place in the Diocese of Meath this year with Rev. Warren Collier being ordained next month.
ENDS
