First Deacon for Kilmore Diocese in eight years

Cavan's first deacon in almost a decade is optimistic for the future of the Catholic church despite the dwindling ordinations and recent controversies. Rev Sean Maguire from Carrickacromin, Laragh, was the youngest of just seven men ordained to the diaconate on May 29, in Maynooth by the Archbishop of Dublin, Diarmuid Martin. The diaconate is the final stage on the road to priesthood, and Rev Sean has to undertake another year of studies before he is ordained a priest.He will spend the summer in Manorhamilton and Cavan town. Rev Sean had entered the seminary at Maynooth in 2004, aged just 18, he doesn't turn 25 until next week. He was delighted to share the momentous day with his family. "It was a very joyful day and an emotional and exciting day for my parents and family," enthused Rev Sean, a former pupil at Tunnyduff National School and Bailieborough Community School. "During the ordination ceremony, the seven deacons took a promise of obedience to their bishop and a vow of celibacy and promised to say the Prayer of the Church." In his homily Archbishop Martin said that the Irish Church is at a crucial moment in its history and that the new deacons are called to be ministers of hope at this time. Fulfilling that sentiment, Rev Sean has tremendous faith in the church's ability to sustain its relevance. "The Church in Ireland is obviously going through a period of purification and renewal at the moment. I'm very optimistic for the future of the Irish Church. I think young people are slowly getting tired of living lives that are superficial and are searching for deeper meaning in their lives.