Maynooth Union 2012

29 May 2012

Some of the Priests attending the Maynooth Union
at Saint Patrick's College, Maynooth

Several hundred priests who were ordained from Maynooth College returned for the celebration of the Maynooth Union on 29th May 2012.

“The Maynooth Union was founded on the 27th of June, 1895, at a meeting held during the Centenary Celebration of Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth. The object of the Union is to foster a spirit of mutual sympathy between the College and its past students and friends. For this purpose there will be an annual reunion at Maynooth. Old friends will thus be brought together and memories of College days revived and questions of interest will be discussed”
- Constitution of Maynooth Union, June 23rd 1896.

Each year priests ordained in multiple of five years return to the College where they are recognised, their work for the Church appreciated, and memories and commitment to their lives of service are revived.

This year, the longest serving priest was Fr Alf O’Halloran, ordained to the priesthood in 1947, and celebrating the 65th anniversary of his ordination.  He was presented with an icon by Cardinal Seán Brady, as were the priests who celebrated their Diamond Jubilees.

A Golden Jubilarian, Monsignor Pádraig Loftus was recognised as having travelled the farthest for the celebration, having come home from Los Angeles Diocese where he has contributed a lifetime of service. 

There was a significant attendance from the Silver Jubilee Class, which included the President of the College, Monsignor Hugh Connolly.

Traditionally, the Silver Jubilee Class arrange the liturgy and the outline of the day.  All were enthralled by one of their members, Fr Vincent Sherlock of Achonry diocese who had them laughing and crying as he regaled them with stories of his priesthood over the last twenty five years.

Featured Class: The Ruby Anniversary Class of 1972

The President of Maynooth College welcomed the priests who returned for the
Maynooth Union at Saint Patrick's College, Maynooth