Scottish Catholic Observer

The ordination Mass was celebrated by Bishop John Keenan and he was joined by Bishop Emeritus John Mone (right) and clergy from across the diocese and beyond—including Mgr Denis Carlin, Fr Carlin’s uncle.

Bishop Keenan said Fr Carlin was ‘the first man I ordain to the priesthood as bishop so you are a sort of first fruits of my episcopate, now into its third year. In great hope that a multitude of noble young men will soon come forward from our parishes, schools and families to offer themselves as priests for our diocese inspired by your own generous witness!”

Bishop Keenan said at this moment Catholics dearly need the ‘total love of their priests!’

“These times—of tension in the world and upset in the Church—are ripe for false leaders to appear in the world and lead our people astray, “ he said. “These are times when our people are being enticed to lose faith in their shepherds and in the doctrines of our Church. In these times our people need good shepherds who will give their whole lives for God’s people, shepherds who will never abandon them when they wander but will go out and find them and bring them home.

In recognition of the momentous occasion in the life of the diocese, Catholics from across the area and beyond travelled to Fr Carlin’s home parish of St John’s to offer him their prayers and support on his ordination to the priesthood.

He was also supported by his brother priests, who concelebrated his ordination Mass, including Fr Jamie McMorrin—who studied in Rome with Fr Carlin and who was ordained a week earlier—and Fr Paul Brady, parish priest at St John’s, while Fr Daniel Fitzpatrick, Rector of the Scots College in Rome, was also present along with staff and seminarians.

Speaking of the preparation and discernment that lead to his ordination as well as his years of study and development at the Pontifical Scots College in Rome, Fr Carlin offered his thanks to those who have supported him in his vocation, particularly his parents Maria and Gerard, brothers Daniel and Tony and sister Patsy.

“Throughout the last seven years, I have continually been aided and supported by the Rectors, staff and students at the Pontifical Scots College in Rome,” Fr Carlin said. “I thank them for their prayers and confidence in me. I also wish to thank the religious sisters of the college for their care and kindness. In a particular way, I would like to thank my parish priest, Fr Paul Brady, and the great number of priests who have inspired me to offer myself for priestly service, too many to mention by name.

“I would also like to thank the parishioners of St John’s, Barrhead, for their prayers and support throughout my time in seminary, as well as those of the various parishes in which I have spent my summer placements.

“I am also profoundly grateful to my mother, father, sister and brothers, relatives and friends, who have supported me from the beginning in my vocation and so I thank them for all they have given and continue to give me each day.”

His first Mass was celebrated the following day in St John’s, Barrhead, and his relatives, friends and well-wishers took the opportunity to receive a first blessing from Paisley’s newest priest.

Fr Carlin will return to Rome where he will continue his studies in Canon Law, upon completion of which he will return to his diocese to begin his ministry in Paisley.

—This story ran in full in the July 8 edition print of the SCO, available in parishes.