29 March 2024

Sunday 24 Jan 2021

FR. MICHAEL KELLY

Renowned Zambian Jesuit priest of Irish origin, Fr. Michael Kelly, has died at the age of 92. His demise was announced by Fr. Leornard Chiti. "It is with great sadness and grief of the loss of our companion, Fr Michael J Kelly S.J. Eternal Rest grant unto Michael and may perpetual light shine upon him,” Fr. Chiti stated. 

Professor Father Michael J Kelly S.J. was born in Tullamore, Co. Offaly, Ireland, in 1929.He studied at University College Dublin and was awarded a B.A. in Maths and Mathematical Physics in 1952, both with first class honours. He went on to receive a licentiate in philosophy in 1955. He moved to Zambia and has lived and worked here for over 50 years, becoming a Zambian citizen. He worked for many years as headmaster of Canisius Secondary School which is one of the earliest centres of learning in Zambia. It is located at Chikuni Mission about 10 km east of Chisekesi town in Monze.

Father Michael completed his Ph.D. studies in the area of child and educational psychology in 1974 and subsequently became a senior lecturer and Dean of the School of Education in the University of Zambia (UNZA) in 1975. He served as pro-vice chancellor and deputy vice chancellor and became professor in 1989.

The Irish Jesuit did pioneering work  as an educator and a campaigner for HIV/AIDS in his adopted home of Zambia. He is also a renowned speaker and advocate on HIV and AIDS, and has worked tirelessly to educate and promote safe behaviour among youth and those most at risk in Zambia, throughout sub-Saharan Africa, and much further afield. He was also active in other policy areas, such as strategies for HIV prevention, and human rights.A prolific researcher and writer, Father Michael has authored 15 books, and many original research articles throughout his long and distinguished career.  Father Michael has worked as a consultant to organisations such as the World Bank, UNESCO, UNICEF, the FAO, UNAIDS, Oxfam, Irish Aid, and many more.

Over the next 60 years, he held a series of appointments across the country, which resulted in his nomination as Deputy Vice-Chancellor of the University of Zambia in 1980 and a promotion to Professor of Education in 1989.

Fr Kelly has been the recipient of many awards, in Ireland and abroad for his aid work. In recognition of his contribution to education in Zambia and worldwide HIV advocacy, the Association of Commonwealth Universities presented him with the Symons Award in September 2003. He has received several honorary degrees including Doctor of Science (2004), from the University of the West Indies, Doctor of Laws from NUI (2006) and an honorory doctorate from the Royal College of Surgeons (2012). 

He received the Presidential Distinguished Service Award from President Michael D. Higgins at Áras an Úachtaráin in November 2012, which honours the Irish diaspora in recognition of its sustained and distinguished service abroad.

LIVE STREAM FROM ST. COLMCILLE'S CHURCH DURROW

The webcam in St. Colmcille's Church, Durrow is now active and will stream all Masses celebrated there.  We have added a new item on our main menu to connect.

SCHEDULE OF PROPOSED CORONA VIRUS VACCINATIONS

As hopes rise that the administration of vaccinations will speed up our fight to overcome Covid-19 the government has issued a proposed timeframe for the vaccination programme.  <<Click Here>> for details.

SACRAMENTS

BAPTISM: Not taking place at the moment.

CONFESSIONS: Not taking place at the moment.

SACRAMENT OF MARRIAGE: To book the Church for weddings, contact the Parish Secretary. 

VOCATIONS NOTICE

The Diocesan Vocations Team has a new Facebook Page: DioceseOfMeathVocations   & a new Instagram Account:  dioceseofmeathvocations, Email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   Ph Fr Tony Gonoude 044 9373923

MASS INTENTIONS   

Click  for the full list of Mass Intentions to be celebrated this week.

COVID-19 SUPPORT LINE FOR OLDER PEOPLE

ALONE manage a national support line and additional supports for older people who have concerns or are facing difficulties relating to the outbreak of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).  Ph 0818 222 024, 8:00 am - 8:00 pm daily.

BALLYCOMMON TELEWORK & TRAINING CENTRE

BTTC is offering a range of free/affordable services.  Ph 0579353177/9353441, 
email: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it   

MONEY ADVICE AND BUDGETING SERVICE (MABS)

MABS ( a free, confidential service for people who have problems with money management): National Helpline 0761072000 Mon - Fri 9:00 am to 8:00 pm  

SHALOM WORLD MINISTRIES

Shalom World is a 24/7 commercial free Catholic television network for the whole family. Use the floating link to access the live "Shalom Media Gallery" or click on the icon on the right to find out more about Shalom World Ministries.

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Given the COVID-19 precautionary measures, our churches are inaccessible for the faithful. Participation in the daily sacraments is beyond reach for them. Shalom World TV, a Catholic media ministry of the Shalom Ministries, is an official partner with the Vatican and is authorized to telecast papal liturgies directly via its free high-definition television channel. Shalom World is committed to producing free yet high-quality Catholic content such as Daily Mass, devotionals, shows, music, youth programs, children’s programs, conventions, retreats, and cultural exchange segments. The programming is absolutely free and can be watched live or on-demand. The most recent addition, in response to COVID-19, is a 4th channel to the existing 3 channels, for exclusive live telecast of daily Holy Mass around the clock, with special prayers for an end to coronavirus .

We are broadcasting Daily Mass Live from Saints Peter and Paul's Church, Portlaoise, Co. Laois at 10:00 am everyday during this challenging time.

Bishop Denis Nulty, Diocese of Kildare and Leighlin is our patron in Ireland  and Shalom World is endorsed by Catholic leaders from around the globe .