Golden Jubilee celebration marking 50 Years of priestly ministry
By Josh Low
Priests and parishioners gathered at the Church of Christ the Priest in Kingston last month to honour Fathers Mike Delaney and John Murphy SDB for their half-century of dedicated priestly service.
Held on Friday 22 August, Mass was celebrated by newly installed Archbishop Tony, who was joined by concelebrants Archbishop Emeritus Julian, the jubilarians and priests of the Archdiocese.
Also in attendance were visiting priests Frs Michael Morley and Eugene McKinnon, who themselves were celebrating their golden jubilee of priesthood this year.
Archdiocesan Chancellor Fr Mark Freeman delivered the homily for the occasion, emphasising that the jubilarians’ priesthood is deeply rooted in their humanity and shaped by God’s call.
“Mike and John, together with Michael Morley and Eugene McKinnon, are not priests out of nothing,” he said.
“It’s the generosity with which they have given of their humanity that draws us together after these 50 years since they were ordained.
“And that humanity comes out of the love of their parents – a love which gave them life and enabled them to live and give themselves totally in response to God’s call.”
Fr Mark recalled being a Year 12 student at St Patrick’s College in Launceston in 1976 when Fr Mike served as school chaplain.
He described how Fr Mike commissioned the students at their graduation Mass to live as Christians recognised by their love and service; a message, he added, that has carried through the jubilarians’ ministries.
“They have brought the good news of full life to countless people over these 50 years,” Fr Mark said.
“They have done so because they have grown into the gift of their humanity as true friends of Jesus the Lord.
“They have allowed Jesus to love them as they are in and through that openness to the Lord’s love. They’ve been able to love others and to lay down their lives for others – so many others, in so many places, through so many encounters and in so many situations.
“Thank you for the joy with which you have offered your lives, revealing a heart that over the years has refused to become closed and bitter, but has grown daily in love for God and his people. A heart that like good wine has not turned sour,” he said.
Frs Mike and John offered words of thanks following the Mass, expressing their gratitude for the many people who have journeyed with them over the decades.
“There are people from different parts of my experiences over these last 50 years here today,” Fr Mike said.
“Thank you for being a support to us and for continuing to keep our journey going. We pray for your good intentions.”
Fr Murphy echoed the sentiment, highlighting the faith and generosity of those he has served.
“In all my ministries, I’ve met people of faith who are so good,” he said.
“They’ve been the source of strength enabling me to live 50 years of a life that I’ve rejoiced in. It is humbling when I see the goodness, generosity, and love of so many. So I thank you for that.”