On 14 May a joyous gathering took place in Multyfarnham friary, Co Westmeath to celebrate the100th birthday of Br Salvador Kenny OFM. In the 800 years since the arrival of the friars in these islands, there is no record of any friar reaching this great age. This is not surprising since, given the harsh conditions, living that long would have been extremely unlikely.
Salvador (baptismal name, John) grew up near Edgeworthstown in Co Longford, which is only 15 minutes from the friary. Br Salvador has served in various roles in many friaries over his long years – in Ireland (Killarney, Galway, Merchants’ Quay, Belfast, Athlone, Multyfarnham), in Rome, where he lived for four years before taking Solemn Vows, and in Louvain, in Belgium.
Salvador worked for six years at what was then St Loman’s Hospital in Mullingar before joining the friars. Always a ‘man of the people’ - those whom he has met over the years attest to the simplicity and sincerity of his presence. A true son of St Francis, steeped in a humble and simple lifestyle, he is committed to prayer and to the daily Eucharist.
A keen footballer in his earlier years, Salvador is last surviving member of the St Loman’s team to win the Westmeath senior football title 77 years ago in 1948. Recently, Darragh O'Keeffe, a member of current side that won the Flanagan Cup last October, called with the Cup to meet Salvador. Darragh reported that they had a great chat about what training was like then. He was amazed. ‘His memory recall was brilliant; he could remember everything about the finals. He could remember the following year's final where St Loman’s lost to Athlone by a point and he had great recollection of all the players and management team.’
On his birthday, family members, many friends and friars from around Ireland gathered in glorious weather in Multyfarnham. Mass was celebrated with David Collins OFM (Vicar Provincial) as celebrant, and Liam Kelly OFM the preacher. The choir from the former friary in Athlone sang. Others, who could not be present on the day, joined via the church webcam.
The celebration continued with a simple reception in the nearby cookery school. There was a cake to be cut, a cheque from President Higgins, a papal blessing (one of the last from Pope Francis!) and a blessing from the Minister General.
A wonderful day was had by all, especially the centenarian himself, Br Salvador. Ad Multos Annos!
