'It has been home' - Kilkenny priest bids emotional farewell to parish

Last weekend, Fr Mark Condon said his farewells to Danesfort parish. It’s hard to believe that five years ago the country was in the grip of the Covid-19 pandemic. Mask wearing, social distancing, travel restrictions, lockdowns were all part and parcel of our daily lives.

It was a difficult beginning for any priest in a new parish, navigating the government guidelines, trying to keep people safe, and at the same time trying to get to know people and providing pastoral care in those uncertain and isolating times. In a farewell message to the parish, Fr Mark said that during these extraordinary times "whether through quiet prayers, phone calls, or distanced sacraments, we remained connected. Together, we found new ways to be Church, to be present to one another, and to bring hope where it was needed."

Fr Mark has been with us in times of joy as we celebrated baptisms, weddings, first communions and confirmations. But equally, he has walked with us in our times of sorrow, loss and uncertainty. Throughout his time with us he has constantly encouraged each of us to have a rich and meaningful relationship with Jesus.

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To many, he has provided support, guidance and friendship in a good humoured, genial and cheerful manner. As Fr Mark, prepares to move , he leaves not only a parish but also he leaves a home. Over the last couple of weekends, parishioners personally thanked Fr. Mark for his kindness, trust, friendship and spiritual guidance and to wish him every blessing as he commences the next chapter of his ministry as Parish Priest and Pastoral Area Coordinator of the parishes of Ballycallan, Freshford and Tullaroan. Beannacht Dé leat.

Fr William Hennessy, PP, Conahy, will become the Parish Priest of Danesfort, to reside in Danesfort.

"As I prepare to take my leave, my heart is filled with deep gratitude for the journey we have shared over the past five years," Fr Condon said.

"I am equally grateful for the joys we celebrated—baptisms, weddings, first communions, and the everyday blessings of parish life. And I am honoured to have walked beside many of you in times of sorrow, loss, and uncertainty, holding fast to our faith and the promise of Christ’s presence among us.

"Thank you for your kindness, your trust, and your prayers. Danesfort has been more than a parish to me; it has been home," he continued.

"As I move forward to a new chapter in ministry, know that you will remain in my thoughts and prayers. May the Lord continue to bless and guide this beautiful community. With heartfelt thanks and every blessing, Fr Mark."

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Read the full message from Fr Mark Condon in this week's notes section of the Kilkenny People