Tipperary St Vincent de Paul group honours long serving members

Ancient and historic Holycross Abbey was the setting for a special Mass of Thanksgiving for the St Michael’s Conference of the Society of St Vincent de Paul, Holycross Ballycahill as fourteen founders and long serving members were honoured for their distinguished work.

It might have been a cold, dark November evening outside, but the atmosphere of warmth and welcome, which prevailed in the ancient place of worship mirrored the endeavours of the conference, which has remained true to the instruction of Blessed Frederick Ozanam -theirs continues to be a work of love, of kindness and they continue to give of their time, their talents, and themselves.

Rev Fr Mattie McGrath, a founding member of the Conference and one of those honoured on the night, was chief celebrant of the Mass with Archbishop Emeritus, Dermot Clifford, Archbishop of Cashel and Emly and Rev Fr Celsus Tierney, PP Holycross and Ballycahill also in attendance – his predecessor, the late Fr Tom Breen, a former member, was honoured also and was represented by sister Madge.

The late Tomás de Veale and the late Willie Ryan were the other two founding members, and they too were represented on the evening with Willie’s wife Breda, who was present, also honoured for her contribution over many years.

Honoured too and presented with medals and framed certificates by Regional President, Ellie Dwyer were: founding members John Delahuny, Judy Power, Chris Casey and Peggy Ryan; as well as Joanne Bannon,Tommy Lanigan, Oliver Nolan, Mary Ryan and Gus Sheehan.

The applause, which greeted each presentation reflected the appreciation of those present of the efforts of the recipients over many years.

This is the 30th anniversary of the founding of the St Michael’s conference and Fr McGrath was at pains to point out that the work of the group could not continue without the generosity of the community at large.

Yes, those honoured have been very generous with their time and deserve to be honoured, he said, even though most would prefer to continue going about their work in a quiet and discreet manner.

But, without the support, help and assistance of those who can give, the work would be impossible, he opined.

“We should strive to keep our hearts open to the sufferings and wretchedness of other people, and pray continually that God may grant us that spirit of compassion which is truly the spirit of God” – so said St Vincent de Paul way back in the 17th century.

The Mass of Thanksgiving was enhanced greatly by the presence of liturgical music and song provided by parishioners, and afterwards a social function in adjacent St Michael’s Community Centre ensured that the chat and conversation continued as evening gave way to night.

The event proved to be a great success and an appropriate manner in which to celebrate, not just the Society’s three decades of service to the community, but the decades of cumulative service of those who have kept the flame burning despite many societal challenges.