Congratulation to Fr's Pius and Samuel

Last Saturday morning, (November 9th) I was delighted to have been invited to St. Patrick's College Maynooth. The beautiful College Chapel was host to the conferring of Degrees at St. Patrick's, Pontifical University. Archbishop Eamonn Martin of Armagh is the Chancellor of the University, and he did the honours at the impressive ceremony. Two of our Lucan priests were the proud recipients of degrees on this occasion.

Fr. Pius Faruna received a Doctorate in Theology and Fr. Samuel Akubueni received a Masters in Pastoral Theology. For both men, Saturday's ceremony was the culmination of a rigorous period of study and research, that I know, has been both challenging and fulfilling, and I congratulate them both on their achievement. Many of the students coming to Maynooth's Pontifical University, come from the young churches of Africa, and it's encouraging to know that many of these young churches had their beginnings with Irish Missionaries, and that Ireland is still playing an important role in educating the educators, and building up the church in faraway places.

(L-R) Fr. Pius Faruna, Fr. Philip Curran, Fr. Samuel Akubueni

New appointments
Now that they have both completed their studies, Archbishop Farrell has sent recent letters of appointment. Fr. Pius has been appointed as Curate to the Lucan Partnership of parishes, and his Bishop in Nigeria has kindly consented to his remaining with us for a few years. Fr. Samuel becomes Team Assistant in the Partnership and will be with us until next summer.

Given the vocations famine in Ireland at present, it's hard to see how the Irish church could survive without the contribution of men like Ubaldo (who has already completed his Masters), Pius and Samuel. They bring a rich diversity to us, and the experience of a young and vibrant church. I am grateful to them for their work in our Lucan Parishes. We are blessed to have them.

Philip Curran
St. Mary's & St. Patrick's Parishes