There was a night of joy and celebration in St John’s church at the 6 o clock Mass on Saturday 18th January when Bishop Niall Coll informed the congregation that parish Team leader Fr Dan Carroll had been appointed as Chaplain to his Holiness.
This was awarded by Pope Francis to acknowledge Fr Dan’s committed service to the Diocese of Ossory in his role as Vicar General.
Enhancing the honour, Fr Dan was also created a Monsignor.
After the church service Fr Dan hosted a small family gathering in the presbytery.
In a short address, the Monsignor thanked Pope Francis for the honour bestowed on him and Bishop Coll for his continued support and guidance.
He thanked the parishioners who organised the gathering, including Geraldine Reussmann, Liz Maher, Aine Butler and Jane Dineen.
Fr Dan had words of praise for his colleagues Fr Raymond Dempsey and Fr Michael Ryan, and he remembered fondly all his colleagues in his previous parishes.
Concluding, Monsignor Carroll expressed his deep appreciation to his family and to the faith community of Castlecomer, who, from an early age, instilled in him a love of the Gospels and of the living Christ.
The celebration was embellished when Bishop Niall presented the new Monsignor with a special cake prepared by Liz Maher.
The convivial atmosphere continued in the presbytery for some time as all enjoyed a cornucopia of cakes and sandwiches.
