On Sunday 23rd August, Archbishop Michael Neary ordained Shane Costello as a diocesan priest for the Tuam Archdiocese in Knock.
Due to Government restrictions the ordination was not open to the public. In attendance were Shane’s parents, family, neighbours and former teachers as were the priests and religious of the Archdiocese of Tuam, the president, rector, staff and students from St Patrick’s College, Maynooth. The archbishop 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 remembered the seven priests who had passed away during the year in the diocese including Joe Cooney, John McCormack, James Kelly, Seán Kilbane, J.J. Cribbin, Peter Waldron and Paddy Gilligan.
Archbishop Michael Neary told Shane 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.
“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,” said Archbishop Neary.
“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.”
“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,” said the archbishop. “You will share the joys and the sorrows of the people whom you serve.”
Shane Costello is originally from Taugheen, outside Claremorris. The ordination Mass took place on Sunday 23 August in the Basilica of Our Lady, Queen of Ireland, Knock, and was streamed live through the Knock website.
