Ordination of Reverend Damien Lynch for the Diocese of Cloyne

17 Jul 2012

Ordination of Reverend Damien Lynch for the Diocese of Cloyne

Reverend Damien Lynch will be ordained to the priesthood for service, in the Diocese of Cloyne, this Sunday 22 July 2012 at 3:00pm in Saint Gobnait’s Church, Ballyvourney, County Cork.

Damien (26) is a native of the Gaeltacht area of Cúil Aodha in West Cork. He is the only son of Gerard and Nora Lynch. Born in May 1986, he attended Scoil Chúil Aodha, the local Primary School, and received his second level education at Coláiste Ghobnatan, Ballyvourney.  After completing his Leaving Certificate in 2004, he began his studies for the priesthood at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth.  In 2007 Damien graduated from the National University of Ireland, Maynooth, with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Philosophy and Nua-Ghaeilge.  Damien has just completed his studies in Theology at Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, and will graduate with a Baccalaureate in Divinity from the Pontifical University this coming November.  During his time in the seminary Damien undertook various pastoral placements, including substantial periods in the parishes of Newbridge, County Kildare and in Mallow, County Cork.  Damien was ordained to the Diaconate on Sunday 29 January 2012 in the College Chapel, Saint Patrick’s College, Maynooth, by Archbishop Dermot Clifford, Apostolic Administrator of Cloyne.

The ordaining prelate will be Archbishop Charles J Brown, Apostolic Nuncio to Ireland.

Damien will celebrate his first Mass on Monday 23 July at 7:00pm in Seipéal Chúil Aodha.

The Diocese of Cloyne has two other men training for priesthood at present, with a third beginning this September.  Anyone interested in applying to study for the priesthood in Cloyne should contact their local priest or Father Patrick Relihan, Director of Vocations, at 024 92456.

ENDS

Notes to Editors

  • Damien Lynch is available for interview and may be contacted at 086 1755392
  • Reporters and photographers are welcome to the Ordination ceremony, and also to the First Mass.
  • The Diocese of Cloyne has 46 parishes and covers east, north and mid Cork.

Media information: Father Jim Killeen, Cloyne Diocesan Centre, Cobh, 021 4811430 or 087 2053938, email: [email protected]; and the Catholic Communications Office, Maynooth, 00 353 1 5053017