On Sunday last, the Fifth Sunday in Ordinary Time, Bishop Larry Duffy was the Chief Celebrant at Mass in St Lawrence’s Church, Fintona, Co Tyrone, during which he Canonically Installed Fr Seán Mulligan as the new Parish Priest of Fintona (Donacavey) parish. There was a large attendance at the Mass, including many young people, and a lovely sense of prayerful participation in the liturgy.
In his homily, Bishop Duffy spoke of the beauty set forth in the Gospel of the day ‘You are the salt of the earth… You are the light of the world’ (Matthew 5). ‘Being the salt of the earth and the light of the world is the vocational call of every Christian. And being called to be the light of the world means that our mission as Christians is necessary for our world. Light is such a valuable part of life. Without it we cannot see.’ He continued, ‘To keep the salt fresh and the light shining is a lifelong task and we need the support and guidance of the Holy Spirit.’ Bishop Duffy thanked Fr Mulligan for accepting the post, describing him as ‘a man of faith with a generous heart, and not afraid to work.’
Fr Mulligan hails from Knockatallon in Tydavnet parish in Co Monaghan and was ordained a priest in 2018. Before coming to Fintona in 2021, he served in Carrickmacross parish, Co Monaghan.
We all join with the parishioners of Fintona (Donacavey) in wishing Fr Seán every blessing in his continued ministry among them, especially his work with families and with young people.
