Br Philip greets Pope Francis in June 2024.
During these days of the Annual Novena in honour of St. Anthony our friary churches are hives of activity. It is wonderful to see the clients of St. Anthony travelling distances to be part of this special occasion. The feast of St. Anthony will see our churches white with the lily and fragrant with its scent.
On the eve of the feast of St. Anthony the Irish Franciscans will we celebrate the diaconate ordination of our brother, Philip McMahon. Philip, a native of County Meath, is completing his studies in Rome where we have a community of friars in the historic Collegio Sant’ Isidoro. On the 12th June, Philip will be ordained a deacon and will begin a new ministry within our Order.
The ministry of deacons goes back to the early Church. In the New Testament times deacons had the role of distributing food to widows, and there is still a strong element of service to the diaconate, but the role has gradually become more associated with the liturgy and assisting the priest. The deacon, vested in a white garment called an Alb, and the diaconal stole or dalmatic, has a particular role in the Roman liturgy. Deacons are ordained to read the Gospel at Mass and preach to the congregation.
Philip will spend this summer assisting in a busy parish, preaching at Mass, baptizing, visiting the sick, and perhaps officiating at weddings and funerals too.
It will be an exciting time for Philip and another important step on his journey as a friar in ministry.
The Irish Franciscans wish our brother Philip well in this new ministry and we encourage you, dear friends, to keep Philip in your prayers as he follows in the footsteps in St. Francis, preaching the Gospel of Jesus Christ, in season and out of season.
Friar Liam Kelly OFM
Phone: 087 396 0262
Email: irishfranciscansofm@gmail.com
Postal address: Franciscan Friary, Ennis, Co Clare.
