St Malacy's celebrates 150th
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November 20, 2023On Sunday 19th November St Malachy’s Church Nagambie celebrated a very special milestone, its Sesquicentenary. The Most Reverend Bishop Shane Mackinlay celebrated Mass, assisted by our new Parish Priest Fr René Ramirez with six fellow clergy concelebrating.
Following the Mass Bishop Shane blessed a plaque erected on the church wall to commemorate this historic event. The attendees then followed the clergy in a procession to the former Presbytery situated next to the church. This building which had fallen into disrepair over many years of disuse, has been carefully restored to its former glory by a dedicated committee. After an address by the Chairperson of the committee, Rhonda Robinson, on the history and restoration of the building, the Bishop blessed it and untied the ribbon on the plaque proclaiming its new name, The Kearns Centre. This name was chosen in honour of Fr Kearns who became Nagambie’s first Parish Priest in 1876. In 1881 he was instrumental in the building of the Presbytery. The Nagambie Lakes Community House now operates out of The Kearns Centre, thus continuing the tradition of service to the community, albeit in a different way.
The 150th celebrations culminated in a delicious lunch at St Joseph’s School enjoyed by the large number of current and former parishioners attending, some of whom had travelled a long way. Members of parishes in our region and members of other Nagambie churches were also in attendance which was greatly appreciated as was the help from St Mel’s. There was a wonderful spirit of fellowship pervading the day.
We are so grateful to Bishop Shane, Fr René and all the clergy and religious for celebrating with us, making this day of thanksgiving truly holy and memorable.
