It was time for a double celebration in the diocese of Plymouth this June: two priest friends – Fr Denis Collin and Fr Paddy Kilgarriff – celebrated their platinum jubilees of priesthood.
Both came to the diocese from Ireland in the early 1950s. Canon Denis Collin, born in Sligo in 1929, was ordained for the diocese of Plymouth on 14th June 1953 by Bishop Grimshaw (later Archbishop of Birmingham). Father Patrick Kilgarriff was born on 12th October 1927 in Ballaghadereen, County Roscommon, Ireland, and was ordained in Dublin on 21st June 1953.
A friendship spanning over 70 years was marked during their respective platinum jubilee celebrations. Fr Denis travelled from Poole to join Fr Paddy on the altar in Sidmouth. Both men are cherished throughout the diocese, and continue to be valued and treasured members of their parishes of Poole and Sidmouth.
In Fr Denis’ role as Vocations Director, his pastoral care extended to priests who left ministry. Formerly an inspiring marathon runner, he still regularly concelebrates Mass and shares his wisdom and experience at the Dorset Deanery meetings. An accomplished preacher, Fr Paddy has the ability to make people feel welcomed and his pastoral gifts are legendary.
Both men have a commitment to ecumenism. On Fr Paddy’s retirement, the Anglican rector described him as the longest serving minister of religion in the town, widely respected and appreciated.
At their respective celebrations, Canon Paul Cummins, Plymouth Diocesan Administrator, presented both with Papal Blessings, to which they were visibly delighted. The homilies preached at the celebrations were also reflective of the genuine gratitude felt by so many across the diocese of Plymouth, both laity and clergy, for their loving service.
Congratulations, Fr Paddy and Fr Denis.