Fr Shaun Doherty was among familiar friends last night as he celebrated his first Mass in Donegal, a month after his ordination to the priesthood in the Derry Diocese.
Parishioners and visitors flocked in large numbers to St Eunan’s Cathedral in Letterkenny to join Fr Doherty for the Vigil Mass of the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary.
A familiar voice to thousands, he used his voice last night to tell people that everyone is welcome to the church.
An award-winning broadcaster for almost three decades, Shaun Doherty swapped Letterkenny’s Highland Radio studio for the altar. Following six years of preparation for the priesthood, he was ordained at St Eugene’s Cathedral in Derry in July.
Fr Doherty said he remains full of privilege and gratitude to be on this new spiritual journey.
“This is one end of the microphone that I am very privileged to be, as I was in Highland, but in a very different way here tonight, I am deeply privileged and grateful to God for this tremendous privilege of priesthood and this new journey of service. I’m glad to be sharing it here tonight with people who mean so much to me and of course my fathers’s home county of Donegal.”
In his Homily, Fr Doherty said: “I am standing here delivering a homily today as a Catholic priest, 10 minutes from where I used to broadcast a three hour radio programme, or some might have said preached.”
“Nothing is impossible for God, I’m convinced that our Blessed Mother led me to a closer relationship with her son. I made a very peaceful decision to leave behind my former life to follow this new path, after journeying many times to Medjugorje and through the inspiration of the late Fr Neal Carlin, who died just two years ago, and his Columba community, some of whom are here tonight.”
Fr Doherty reflected on how he used to visit St. Eunan’s Cathedral before his morning radio show, where he met very faithful people and great people.
“Donegal has been so good to me,” he said of his father’s home county.
His invitation to all was this: “Whether you’re here as a regular attendee of Mass, a friend from another denomination or just a curious visitor tonight, or a non believer, whoever you are, you are most welcome. Our faith loudly proclaims that you are loved unconditionally by the creator, no matter who you are or who you were.”
The Mass was a joyous occasion filled with music and warmth. Fr Doherty was treated to a rendition of a hymn that he wrote, ‘The Call of our Lady of Peace’, performed as a surprise by the choir led by Frank Breslin. It was the first time that Fr Doherty heard his hymn sing aloud, and he was honoured to sing along.
“We wish him a fruitful and a happy ministry and may it be long and very rewarding,” said Monsignor Kevin Gillespie, who told Fr Doherty that he should not be nervous because he was amongst friends.
The Mass was followed by refreshments and First Blessings offered by Fr Doherty in the Divine Mercy Centre.
