Family, friends, parishioners, fellow priests and members of the wider community gathered recently to celebrate the Golden Jubilee of Priesthood of Fr Seamus Casey and Fr Jimmie McDonnell, marking fifty years since their ordination in 1976.
Both priests have given a lifetime of dedicated service to the Church through missionary work, education, chaplaincy, parish ministry and pastoral outreach, touching countless lives both at home and abroad.
Fr Jimmie McDonnell, a native of Clondra, Co. Longford, answered God’s call to priesthood through the Society of St Patrick for the Foreign Missions (Kiltegan Fathers). Following his ordination by Bishop Cathal Daly in Killashee Church, he began missionary ministry in Grenada in the West Indies. Over many years he served in parish ministry, youth work, hospital chaplaincy and diocesan leadership, including service as Vicar General. Following ill health, he returned to Ireland in 2018 and now resides at St Patrick’s, Kiltegan.
Fr Seamus Casey’s priestly journey led him from missionary service in Africa to a distinguished ministry in education and chaplaincy. Reflecting on his years in Kenya and Zambia, he recalled the many people whose faith, generosity and witness shaped his vocation. Returning to Ireland, he became widely known through his work in schools, youth ministry and student chaplaincy, particularly through the development of Auburn House in Athlone, a place of welcome, support and community for generations of young people.
In his jubilee reflections, Fr Seamus spoke with gratitude for the many friendships, communities and experiences that marked his priestly life. Looking back on fifty years of ministry he described it as “a momentous voyage through rough and calm seas”, giving thanks to all who accompanied him along the way.
The Jubilee Mass offered an opportunity to give thanks for two lives of faithful priestly service and missionary witness. It was also a celebration of the many communities, both in Ireland and overseas, who have been enriched by their generosity, commitment and dedication to the Gospel.
The Diocese of Ardagh and Clonmacnois extends sincere congratulations to Fr Seamus Casey and Fr Jimmie McDonnell on the celebration of their Golden Jubilees of Priesthood and thanks them for their faithful service to Christ and His Church over the past fifty years.
May God continue to bless them with health, happiness and peace in the years ahead.
Further photographs from the celebration will be posted in the coming days.