A soon to be ordained Franciscan friar was delighted to meet and greet the newly elected Pope Leo in Rome.

Br Philip McMahon, OFM has just completed his studies in Rome ahead of his ordination to the priesthood, in his home parish of Navan, Co Meath, on Sunday, June 22.

Br Philip, who met Pope Leo at a reception in the Vatican, celebrated his Solemn Profession in the friary in Killarney in 2023.

He previously worked with Tesco in Navan for 12 years but it was only when he spent two years travelling around Australia that he began to explore if he had a vocation.

“During my time in Australia, Pope Francis was elected to the chair of St Peter. Little did I know then that, within two years, I would be joining the same order of the saint whose name the Pope had adopted – St Francis of Assisi,” Fr Philip said.

On his return from his travels in Australia, he made contact with the then Director of Vocations, Br Pat Lynch – now guardian at the friary in Killarney – who invited him to a “come and see” visit to Killarney.

Br Philip hasn’t looked back since: “Becoming a Franciscan has been a great experience and I have loved every moment of it,” he said.

He entered the novitiate in Killarney in 2016 and following his Solemn Profession, he went on to complete his studies in Rome.

Br Philip was ordained a deacon in June of last year to prepare him for his ordination to the priesthood in the coming weeks and he will now do so with the blessing of the new Pope.

If you are interested in the Franciscan way of life please contact:

Friar Liam Kelly OFM

Phone:  087 396 0262 

Email: irishfranciscansofm@gmail.com 

Postal address: Franciscan Friary, Ennis, Co Clare.