On a bright Sunday morning on the 6th July, the little chapel at St. Joseph’s House was packed almost to capacity at 11.30am. The spillover sat in the hall area outside the door The occasion was the Regional celebration of the Jubilarians of 2025. Joining from the USA was our regular visitor Bob O’Neil travelling from New York, as one of the three 60th Anniversaries with his classmates who are resident in Ireland: John Nevin and Pat (Strad) O’Connell. We had two celebrating their Golden Jubilees (Des McGillicuddy and Patrick Ryan), Michael Corcoran celebrated his 40th joining us from Maidenhead and Donie O’Connor celebrated his 25th Jubilee.
Claudia Boyle, a well-known Soprano and Tom Kehoe on keyboard led the music and singing. They also had beautiful solo pieces during and after communion.
People came from far and near, even relatives and friends from Australia, USA and different parts of Europe. It was one of the biggest Jubilee celebrations held in recent times, and there was a great buzz and celebration.
Michael Corcoran was invited by the Jubilarians to lead the liturgy, and John Nevin was invited to preach and he included all the jubilarians in his words. Other jubilarians participated in the organising to ensure the day went well, and it did.
During the liturgy there is the annual public renewal of Missionary commitment and renewal of Missionary Oath by the Mill Hill Members present and this year they were led by the General Superior, Michael Corcoran.
A beautiful liturgy was celebrated and the jubilarians and their families and guests went with the Mill Hill Members present to conclude the celebrations with a beautiful meal served by the wonderful staff at the Milltown Golf Club dining room.
Fr. Philip O’Halloran MHM
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