Canon James O’Connell celebrated his Diamond Jubilee, sixty
years of service to God, on Friday 6th June 2008.
The Parish of St John the Evangelist, Barrhead, from where
Canon Jim retired, was delighted to host his Jubilee Mass on
the evening of his special day. Bishop Philip Tartaglia, Bishop
of Paisley Diocese was the chief Celebrant of the evening. He
was joined by many of the Canon’s friends in the Priesthood,
including Fr Stephen Baillie and Canon Brendan Heally, both
of St John’s, Mgr Gerry Gallagher, Mgr Tom Monaghan,
Canon Bernard Canning, Canon Charles Cavanagh, Canon
Tom Nolan, Canon Benny O’Keeffe, Fr Jim Byers, Fr Vincent
Byrne, Fr William Crawford, Fr Terry Donnelly, Fr Jim Duggan,
Fr Frank Hannigan, Fr Brian McGee, Fr Gerry McNellis,
Fr Jim Murray, Fr Eoin Patten(The Master of Ceremonies for
the evening) and Rev John Morrison - Permanent Deacon. |
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Canon Jim’s niece Nita and his grand nephew Connor had
come from Ireland for the Celebration, to join the Canon’s
many friends from far and wide.
Bishop Philip praised and thanked Canon Jim for his years of
service to God in the Diocese of Paisley.
At the end of Mass, Tommy Reilly, Parish Council President,
presented Canon Jim with a plaque brought from Lourdes,
from the Parish. Mary Logue and Agnes Lafferty presented
Nita and Flora, the Canon’s housekeeper, with bouquets of
flowers.
Despite a lack of voice, Canon Jim made a very moving speech
of thanks. (See next).
Fr Stephen invited everyone to the Hall, where a magnificent
spread had been laid out by the Hall Committee.
The whole evening was a fitting way for the Diocese to say
thanks to Canon Jim for his years of devotion. It was also a
most enjoyable event! |
