Oblate News

Jubilee Celebrations at Mary Immaculate, Inchicore

Members of the Congregation together celebrated significant anniversaries of religious life

Oblate Jubilee Mass at Mary Immaculate Church, Inchicore

On the 31st of August 2024, Mary Immaculate Church in Inchicore was filled with joy and reverence as the Oblate community gathered to celebrate the Oblate Jubilee Mass. This significant event, organised by the Jubilee Committee of the parish, honoured the devoted service of several Jubilarians who have dedicated their lives to the mission of the Oblates.

The Mass was presided over by Fr Lorcán Ó Reilly OMI, the Provincial, with Fr Liam Griffin OMI, Superior of the House of Retreat, serving as the Master of Ceremonies. The homily was delivered by Fr Brian de Búrca OMI, who was also one of the Jubilarians, celebrating the 60th anniversary of his ordination. His words resonated deeply with the congregation, reflecting on a lifetime of service and the enduring commitment required in religious life.

A highlight of the Mass was the beautiful music provided by the combined choirs of the three Inchicore parishes, whose harmonious voices added a profound sense of unity and celebration to the occasion.

The Jubilarians honoured included Br James Beggan OMI, celebrating 70 years of profession, and several priests marking their 60th anniversary of ordination: Fr Charles O’Connor OMI marketing 65 years of priesthood, with Frs Brian de Búrca OMI, Ignatius Fidgeon OMI, Lewy Keelty OMI, Michael Phelan OMI (Kilburn), Patrick Moroney OMI (Australia), Vincent Mulligan OMI, and Joe Daly OM celebrating their 60th anniversary of ordination. Fr Patrick McGrath OMI and Fr William Fitzpatrick OMI, each marked 50 years of ordination, as well as Fr John McFadden OMI (Glasgow) and Fr Andrew Small OMI (US Province), who were honoured for 25 years of ordination. 

Also remembered and prayed for in the mass were Oblates who would have shared this Jubilee celebration but who have passed into eternal life within the past 10 years or so. May their souls of all the faithful departed rest in peace. 

Following the Mass, a celebratory meal was held in the Oblate Hall adjacent to the parish, where family, friends, and members of the community gathered to share in the joy and gratitude of the day. The event was a heartfelt tribute to the Jubilarians, acknowledging their many years of faithful service and the significant impact they have had on the lives of those around them.

See photos here(click the arrows or visit the album page to download the photos, https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjBG1nv ):