Fr Mark wants to bring message of hope and comfort

On behalf of the county board: Newly ordained Fr Mark Moriarty is congratulated by Kerry GAA Chairman Patrick O’Sullivan

A hug of congratulations from father to ‘Father’ as mum Marjie looks on in delight

Fr Mark Moriarty (centre) and his college class mates and Bishop Browne moments after his ordination to the priesthood

Fr Mark pictured at St Mary’s Cathedral, Bishop Emeirtus Bill Murphy (left) and Bishop Ray Browne

Chrism oil, a symbol of spiritual strengthening in an ordination ceremony, was used by Bishop Ray Browne to anoint Fr Mark Moriarty

Fr Mark’s dad Brian Moriarty assists his son prior to the ceremony

Proud mum Marjie Moriarty helps her son to adjust his first vestments

When Crokes met Legion on the altar, black and amber stalwart Fr Paddy O’Donoghue gives his blessing to Legion club member Fr Mark Moriarty

Laying on of hands: Killarney Parish Administrator Fr Kieran O’Brien gives his blessing to Mark Moriarty

Parish secretary Sheila O’Leary congratulates Fr Mark with choir member Linda O’Donoghue

Moments before his ordination into the priesthood, Mark Moriarty, pictured on the altar in St Mary’s Cathedral

The church in which he was baptised, made his first communion and confirmation in and where he helped out as an altar server for eight years was a fitting setting for newly ordained Fr Mark Moriarty to celebrate his first Mass.

He did so in St Mary’s Cathedral on Monday night – the Feast of the Assumption –  ­just over 24 hours after the popular Killarney man was ordained to the priesthood by Bishop Ray Browne.

Fr Mark’s eagerly awaited first sermon was based on the mission of Jesus, the mission of the priest and the mission of the people and how they all unite for the greater good.

”We live in a world where there are so many half-truths, so many lies, so much confusion,” he said.

“The role of the priest is to preach God’s Good News, to bring a message of hope and consolation and joy and comfort into a world that needs all these things,” he said.

The cathedral was packed with well-wishers for the special occasion and after the Mass, Fr Mark spent a very considerable time on the altar blessing those in attendance and pride of place went to his parents, Brian and Marjie, brother, Paul relatives and friends.

Fr Mark will celebrate another Mass of Thanksgiving this Friday night in St John’s Church in Tralee – where he is based – at 6.10pm. It will be followed by a reception in the parish centre.

Over 200,000 readers every month. Nobody matches our reach. To advertise email: news@killarneytoday.com or call 087-2229761