A packed St Patrick’s RC Cathedral witnessed a major milestone for the Archdiocese of Armagh on Saturday as Archbishop Eamon Martin ordained three men to the priesthood.
Family members, parishioners and well-wishers filled the cathedral to capacity for the ordination of Father Gabriel Neal, Father Jacek Tuszkiewicz and Father Paul O’Reilly.
The three new priests all trained at the Redemptoris Mater Seminary in Dundalk.
Their backgrounds reflect the international character of the modern Church: Fr Neal is originally from the United States, Fr Tuszkiewicz hails from Poland, and Fr O’Reilly is from Cork. All three have strong links with the Archdiocese of Armagh and will serve in the diocese.
Speaking ahead of the ceremony, Archbishop Martin said the ordinations were a source of great encouragement for local Catholics.
“We here in the Archdiocese of Armagh feel a deep sense of joy and thanks as we prepare for the ordination of these three men to the priesthood. I give thanks for their generous ‘yes’ to God’s call, and my hope is that they will have many years of fulfilment in serving God’s people here in the Archdiocese of Armagh,” he said.
During the Mass, the three candidates made solemn promises of service and obedience before being ordained. They then joined Archbishop Martin and clergy from across the diocese in concelebrating the Eucharist for the first time as priests.
The ordination marks a significant moment for the Archdiocese, highlighting both its local roots and its growing international links through the seminary in Dundalk.
Newly ordained Fr Gabriel Neal is congratulated by Armagh parishioners
Ordination as priests of Fr Gabriel Neal, Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz, and Fr Paul O’Reilly in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Ordination as priests of Fr Gabriel Neal, Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz, and Fr Paul O’Reilly in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Ordination as priests of Fr Gabriel Neal, Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz, and Fr Paul O’Reilly in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Archbishop Eamon Martin blesses Fr Gabriel Neal
Archbishop Eamon Martin blesses Fr Paul O’Reilly
Ordination as priests of Fr Gabriel Neal, Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz, and Fr Paul O’Reilly in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Reflection of a Priest. Fr Gabriel Neal lies in front of the Bishop during the Ordination as priests of Fr Gabriel Neal, Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz, and Fr Paul O’Reilly in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Ordination as priests of Fr Gabriel Neal, Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz, and Fr Paul O’Reilly in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Archbishop Eamon Martin blesses Fr Paul O’Reilly. Ordination as priests of Fr Gabriel Neal, Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz, and Fr Paul O’Reilly in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Archbishop Eamon Martin blesses Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz. Ordination as priests of Fr Gabriel Neal, Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz, and Fr Paul O’Reilly in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Archbishop Eamon Martin blesses Fr Gabriel Neal
Ordination as priests of Fr Gabriel Neal, Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz, and Fr Paul O’Reilly in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Archbishop Eamon Martin during Ordination as priests of Fr Gabriel Neal, Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz, and Fr Paul O’Reilly in St Patrick’s Cathedral Armagh.
Newly ordained Fr Gabriel Neal gives his first blessing to Archbishop Eamon Martin after Ordination Mass in Armagh.
Newly ordained priests Gabriel Neal, Fr Paul O’Reilly and Fr Jacek Tuszkiewicz with Archbishop Eamon Martin and Bishop Michael Router after the Ordination Mass in Armagh Cathedral.
