Franciscan friar celebrates his golden jubilee

Half a century of service since his ordination, a Franciscan friar is still dedicated to his work and his faith in Killarney.

Fr Chris Connolly OFM has spent the last 20 years in the Kerry town, the same period after his 1963 ordination that he served in Rhodesia, or Zimbabwe as it later became, during his missionary work there.

But the Co Meath native has made his home in Killarney since moving there in 1993 and where he is now part of a five-member Franciscan community.

Last week he was honoured with a Mass to celebrate, 50 years to the day since he was ordained in Rome in 1963.

“I suppose the biggest change I have seen, one facing the Church here and all over the world, is the shortage of priests. It seems to me that, eventually, there will have to be more lay people involved in the Church,” he said.

But, despite an accident that damaged one eye last year, he still co-celebrates Mass every day as he approaches his 78th birthday later this month.

Many of his friends from the local community joined the recent golden jubilee celebration, where his kindness and humour were remarked on by well-wishers.

After serving in Zimbabwe, Fr Connolly worked in Waterford, Ennis and also in Co Donegal before moving to Kerry in August 1993.