SILVER JUBILEE OF MOST REV.MICHAEL SMITH, D.D.,DCL., BISHOP OF MEATH AND PARISH PRIEST OF NAVAN - February 2009
A large congregation attended a Mass of Thanksgiving on Saturday February 7th to celebrate the silver jubilee of the Episcopal ordination of Most Rev. Michael Smith, Bishop of Meath and Parish Priest of Navan. Earlier, Cllr. Padraig Fitzsimons, Mayor of Navan and the town council honoured Bishop Smith with a civic reception at Navan Town Hall.
The Mass was celebrated by Bishop Smith along with Navan clergy, Fr. Gerry MacCormack, Dr. Declan Hurley, fr.Dwayne Gavin, Fr. William Coleman and Fr.Brendan Ludlow:Vicars General Mgr.Eamonn Marron and Mgr.Sean Heaney;and other diocesan and religious priests. The Smith Family and congregation were welcomed by Dolores Mohan from the Parish Pastoral Council and the scripture readings were proclaimed by Jackie Smith and Alice Walsh.
Local primary schools and religious groups in the parish were represented in the Prayers of the Faithful and Offertory procession. A reflection was offered by Maria McCabe,neice of Bishop Michael; and Saint Mary’s Parish Choir and organist Anna Mary Foley, director, Gabrielle Harte provided the sacred music..
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In his homily, bishop Smith reflected on the last twenty five years and thanked all who had supported him and offered their friendship over the years. he recalled that this was only the fourth public celebration of the silver jubilee of a bishop in the diocese over the past several years . The Lord has given me the energy and the health over the last 25 years as I try – with all my own personal limitations – to fulfil the call that came to me.
Pope Benedict had earlier sent a special letter of congratulations to Bishop Smith saying I offer you my sincere and well deserved congratulations, while imploring a just reward for you from our Saviour, and bestowing the Apostolic Blessing, above all on yourself and the faithful of the Diocese of Meath.
At the end of the Mass, Fr. Gerry MacCormack, Parish Administrator of Saint Mary’s wished the Lord’s blessing on the Bishop for the future and local Mercy Parish sister, Sr. Peter Daly made a presentation to Bishop Smith, from priests and parishioners of Navan, of a painting by local artist, Patsy reel depicting Saint Mary’s Church and the surrounding parish grounds.
After the jubilee Mass broadcast by local radio LMFM, local tv, P5tv and on the web at www.navanparish.ie a large crowd gathered for refreshments and the chance to meet and congratulate Bishop Smith.
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Prayer of Blessing for Bishop Michael Smith
Dear Bishop Michael, the Parishioners of Navan, gathered with you in the celebration of the Eucharist, invoke the saints who walked the path of faith in Meath and offer this prayer of blessing for you.
May Patrick, the apostle of our land, keep you firm in the faith of the Apostles.
Like Patrick, may you always be a true and courageous witness to the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
May the light of the Risen Christ, which first shone from the Hill of Slane, shine through you,
so that we may be drawn into the mystery of the eternal life and love of the Father, Son and Spirit.
As you teach the faith, may Finian, the Teacher of the Saints of Ireland, inspire your words, so that you may lead us along the path of truth.
May the Good News of Jesus Christ be ever on your lips,
and as you explain the Scriptures to us, may our hearts burn within us, and may the message of Christ in all its richness find a home in us.
May you imitate the humility of Oliver the Martyr, and aspire to his courageous fidelity, trusting always in Christ’s victory over suffering.
May the example of Oliver’s life and death always remind you that you are called to live the mystery of the Lord’s Cross,
so that you may be a living sign of the saving power of God’s love for the flock whose shepherd you are.
As you place your trust in Christ, and in his providence and love for you, may his hand guide you and watch over you always.
Amen
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