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Fr Pat Crean next to the stained glass given to him by his parishioners in Ballymacelligott to celebrate 25 years since his ordination. Photo by Gavin O’Connor.
THERE was a great surprise for Fr Pat Crean Lynch last Friday evening from his parishioners.
To celebrate 25 years since his ordination, he was presented with a stained glass panel from the people of Ballymacelligott as a token of their gratitude and to acknowledge the silver jubilee.
“I’m overwhelmed with it, it’s humbling in a sense. The people are great here and it’s nice to be appreciated,” said Fr Pat.
“I saw Sister Bernadine getting out a lead and thought to myself ‘are they getting a projector and showing slides?'” said Fr Pat.
“The glass was then unveiled. I think even the people in the church were amazed, because they were struck by the brightness and beauty of the glass,” Fr Pat.
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“It was Dr John Rice who came up with the idea and he got a helping hand from others,” he added.
Fr Pat was ordained June 25 1989, after that he spent three years in the Holy Land followed by a short period in Rome. In 1992 he came back to Kerry where he began work as Chaplain of Causeway Comprehensive for four years before moving onto Listowel for another four and Kenmare for two.
Eventually he found his way to Ballymac where he has been since 2007.
The stained glass was created by artist Mary Leen. It incorporates St Brendan, who is the patron saint of the diocese.
There is also a personal touch for Fr Pat as a horse is shown in the background to signify his love for sport and horse racing in particular.
“I didn’t realise when I received the glass, that last Friday, the 18th of July was exactly seven years to the day since I started in this parish, so that was extra special as well,” said Fr Pat.
“I didn’t want anything, all I wanted to do is celebrate mass and have a cup a tea and a few sandwiches. I was also presented with a card and gift cheque so the parishioners are very kind and generous,” he said.
