On the Feast of the Epiphany, Rev. PJ Fegan I.C., Parish Priest of Clonea Rathgormack, Carrick-on-Suir, Co. Tipperary, marked a significant milestone in his ministry – his Ruby Jubilee. Concelebrating the 10:30 Mass at Newry Cathedral of Saint Patrick & Saint Colman, Fr. PJ reflected on his journey to the priesthood.
Fr. PJ credits Fr. Aidan Kennedy, a Rosminian priest who served at St. Michael’s School in Omeath, with inspiring his vocation. Fr. Kennedy was a frequent visitor to many homes in the district, including Fr. PJ’s family home in Aghnamoira, where his late parents, John and Moira Fegan, resided. This encounter had a profound impact on Fr. PJ, leading him to join the Rosminians first as a Brother for 15 years, and later, to pursue the priesthood.
On January 6th, 1984, Fr. PJ was ordained to the priesthood on the Feast of the Epiphany at Newry Cathedral. The ordination ceremony was followed by a celebratory meal at the Minor Parochial Hall in Trevor Hill, Newry. As Fr. PJ looks back on his 40 years of service, he is filled with gratitude for the opportunity to serve God and his community.