There was great joy in the Archdiocese of Tuam this past weekend with the ordination of Shane Costello by Archbishop Michael Neary, Archbishop of Tuam. The ordination Mass took place on Sunday 23 August in the Basilica at Knock Shrine, Co Mayo and was also live streamed on the web.
Archbishop Neary told Fr Costello and those gathered on his ordination day that his responsibilities as a priest will be counter-cultural when he preaches Christ’s gospel, makes disciples, baptises and teaches.
He said, “Our society today places such an emphasis on self-fulfillment, on autonomy, on doing one’s one thing. As a priest of Jesus Christ you will proclaim his message, you will do so utilising your gifts, interests and insights but it will always be his message not your own preferences or prejudices.
“Despite the way some may dismiss priesthood today, nevertheless, it is a great time to be a priest, an exciting and challenging time,” the archbishop added. “You will enjoy encouraging people to be their best selves, to utilise the gifts they have received from the Lord and to improve the quality of life for all those who come into contact with him. Nevertheless, you will continue to preach the good news of Jesus Christ in season and out of season.”
While numbers were restricted at the Mass due to Covid-19, Father Costello’s parents, family and friends were present at the basilica in Knock, as were the priests and religious of the Archdiocese of Tuam, the president, rector, staff and students from the National Seminary at St Patrick’s College, Maynooth.
Archbishop Neary also welcomed Shane’s local priest, Canon James Quinn, and the vicar general of the diocese, former parish priest Msgr Dermot Moloney, as well as Fr Francis Mitchell, director of vocations.
Archbishop Neary paid tribute to all those involved in supporting Fr Costello on his faith journey. He said the local community of faith had formed this new priest as he developed and matured, from primary to post-primary, St Colman’s College, and then to third level and the seminary in Maynooth.
Archbishop Neary went on to say, “Like the apostle Peter, you will be called upon to exercise service, to take risks, to go beyond the purely secure, the tried and tested and take new initiatives. You will have responsibility for making disciples for Jesus Christ. You will utilise your interests, your natural ability, your training and your personality in order to draw people to Jesus Christ.
“You will share with others the Eucharistic bread which is Jesus Christ each day at the altar. There you will bring the hurt and the wounded, the farmer and the factory worker, the saint and the sinner. You will share the joys and the sorrows of the people whom you serve.”
Fr Costello is originally from Taugheen, outside Claremorris. He began his studies for the priesthood in Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth in August 2014.
ENDS
25 August 2020
Photo: Sinéad Mallee
