This weekend the Mother of Divine Love Province pays tribute to six of our members as they reach significant milestones within our Community. Four of our confreres: John Bergin, Gerry Fleming, Seamus Freeman and George Ranahan celebrate the 50th anniversary of their Ordination on June 12th 1971.
Two members, Mick Coen and Mike O’Dwyer celebrate 60 years of their Ordination, on June 11th 1961.
It is helpful to look to the Church Liturgical calendar for these two dates: The Solemnity of the Sacred Heart of Jesus on June 11th and the Memorial of The Immaculate Heart of the Blessed Virgin Mary on June 12th 2021.
As Pallottines we mark the Memorial of the Blessed Martyrs Jozef Jankowski and Jozef Stanek on June 12th. The Liturgical Calendar indicates the local and universal dimension of the Pallottines. Unfortunately, due to the continuation of the Pandemic, we cannot gather as we would have in the past to honour our Jubilarians.
These six men have served the Society and the Churches priests for a total-so far- of 320 years!! They represent and bear testimony to every part of the Mother of Divine Love Province. As St Bonaventure in the Divine Office for the Solemnity writes: “For this is the spring flowing from the middle of paradise; it divides and becomes four rivers, then spreads through all devout hearts, and waters the whole world and makes it fruitful.”
We remember the families of our six men, their classmates and others who have journeyed with them in various communities. We acknowledge their commitment and perseverance to the apostolate. May God’s blessings released through their hands return to them abundantly.
God Bless, Liam
Fr. Liam McClarey SCA, Provincial
