The ordination to the priesthood by Bishop Michael Smith, in Mullingar Cathedral on Sunday afternoon last, 28 September, of 32- year-old Rev. Ciaran Clarke of Rathnamuddagh, Dysart, Mullingar, was a very special occasion for the parish of Dysart, as Fr. Clarke is the first young man from the parish to be ordained since 1939.
Bishop Michael Smith, during the ceremony, described his ordination as a sign of hope and reason to celebrate, pointing out that like the Cathedral’s anniversary, it was 75 years ago since a priest from Dysart parish had been ordained.
He praised Fr. Ciaran for his perseverance and courage in his journey to the priesthood.
More than fifty priests from the diocese took part in Sunday’s impressive ceremonies, when Fr. Ciaran was called forward by Rev. Robert McGivney, deacon, who will be ordained next year and was presented to Bishop Smith as a candidate by Very Rev. Philip O’Connor, PP, Dysart.
Ciaran, who is 32, is son of Joe and Margaret Clarke, who farm at Rathnamuddagh, and he attended Dysart NS and Mercy Secondary School in Kilbeggan. He worked for several years before beginning his studies for the priesthood. After doing a business course at Athlone IT, he obtained a position at St. Francis’ Hospital, Ballinderry, Mullingar, in the records department, and he also assisted his parents on the family farm.
In the year he began his studies for ordination, he experienced the loss of his brother Colm, who he remembered in a special way on Sunday, saying he is blessed with wonderful memories of him as a brother and friend in their years together.
It was in 2007, after giving his decision plenty of thought, that Ciaran decided to begin studies for the priesthood and he entered Maynooth College in that year, and was ordained a deacon in 2013. He has been involved in pastoral duties in Dysart, Mullingar, Trim and Tullamore since then.
The newly ordained priest expressed his gratitude to all who helped him “in my faith and journey towards ordination” especially his parents, his relations, friends and neighbours, his parish priest, Fr. Philip O’Connor, Msgr. Hugh Connolly of Maynooth College and all the others who helped him and who assisted and participated at his ordination, especially Mullingar parish.
He is wished every blessing in the future.
