by Vincent | Dec 11, 2016 | General Interest, Photography, Weddings
On Friday, I had the privilege of celebrating the Wedding Mass of my nephew Ronan and his bride Ursula. The wedding was in the Cathedral in Cavan Town and it was an enjoyable occasion. I baptized Ronan when I was a deacon – and he’s the only “Vincent” I’ve ever baptized – Ronan Vincent! It seems appropriate then, that he’s the first of my nephews and nieces at whose marriage I’ve officiated. I wish my nephew and his wife every joy and blessing in their married life and look forward to shared friendship with them as our journey continues.
by Vincent | Aug 26, 2014 | General Interest, Religion, Weddings
I was happy to celebrate the Sacrament of Marriage with Brendon and Tara. It was a simple but prayerful gathering in a small Chapel with just close family and fiends. We shared some good food and conversation in a local restaurant and a pleasant evening was had by all. Tara’s mother said “you’ll most likely put them on your blog”!! She’s a regular reader so thought it appropriate to include the photo here.
Best wishes and every blessing to them both.
by Vincent | Jun 28, 2014 | General Interest, Reflections, Weddings
On Friday June 27th, I had the happy duty of celebrating the Wedding Mass of Sinéad Gray and Bob Coggins. I’ve known Sinéad since she was a young child during my five years in Collooney Parish and have, through the years, kept in contact with her parents Brendan and Sheila, herself, brother and sister. Always a welcoming home, I was happy to be part of this celebration – the first of their family weddings. They live in a lovely part of Collooney parish, immersed in what is known as Union Wood. Appropriately, Sinéad’s father is in the “wood” industry and a gifted tradesman.
The Wedding Mass was in Collooney Church, a favourite of mine and the reception afterwards at the back of Sinéad’s home. Well the “back” is a bit of an understatement!! The entire area around their home was turned into a venue – including the construction of a “honeymoon” suite by her father. It was an amazing and beautifully local setting. Full credit to all involved. And there were many involved!
I came home after a lovely meal and left, what I have no doubt, was a wonderful and musical celebration of a memorable day. Took a few photos along the way so sharing ….
by Vincent | Jun 8, 2014 | General Interest, Photography, Weddings
Recently had the pleasure of celebrating a Wedding Mass in West Point, NY. This is the Cadet School for the US Army and the groom, James Malinda, graduated from there in recent weeks. His bride, Dominique Robbins, is a cousin of my cousins – if that makes sense! In recent years, I celebrated the marriages of two of her first cousins in Rockvile Centre. I met Dominque and her parents at both weddings and they kindly asked me to officiate at Dominuque’s Wedding. I was happy to do so.
It was good to catch up with my cousins again, to meet some old friends and, hopefully, make a few new ones. The setting at West Point was very special and the Church, beautiful. I’m told it’s the only Catholic Parish attached to a Military Base anywhere in the world. The Catholic Community at West Point has its own parish and clergy. The town of West Point is a separate parish and is actually in another diocese.
There was a great dignity to the celebration and it was a refreshing experience. One I am very glad to have been part of.
God bless this newly married couples and, for that matter, all married people.
And a short moment from their First Dance. The song “Jersey Girl” sung by Bruce Springsteen is obviously chosen since Dominique’s childhood years were spent in Jersey.
[youtube=http://youtu.be/TugxnviAg70?rel=0]
by Vincent | Aug 16, 2013 | Weddings
Celebrated yesterday with family and friends the marriage of my cousin, Marie McDonnell and Richard Dunne.
Ceremony was in the very beautiful Cathedral of Christ The King. Mullingar.
Glad to be part of such a happy day.
Seán, Marie’s father, is a second cousin of mine and is very interested in family and family history. He told me the evening before the wedding that the last “McDonnell” woman to get married in Ireland was my grandmother and that was in 1917. She was Annie McDonnell and she married my grandfather, Thomas Sherlock. During the reception Seán gave me a lovely framed picture of my grandmother. I will treasure this and am thankful for it. I never knew my grandparents so it’s good to have photos like this.
A number of our cousins travelled from England and the United States for the wedding and, again, it was good to catch up with these. I sat with Richard’s parents during the meal and very much enjoyed their company and meeting some of their family.
It struck me that both Richard and Marie are blessed to come from very loving families where care and attention for one another are clearly on display – no, more than “on display” – lived. I can’t help but think this gives them a great start on their marriage journey.
![A lovely occasion]()
by Vincent | May 18, 2013 | General Interest, Religion, Photography, Weddings
“The icing on the cake”
Had the chance this week to attend the wedding of two parishioners. It was a lovely gathering under sunny Spanish skies! I was pleased to be part of this special days in the lives of Andrew and Rhona. Met some very nice people along the way and had a chance to spend some time with some of “our own” as well since there was a good number of neighbours and friends from the parish there. I didn’t stay too long but spent enough time to form some good memories of decent people, a special gathering and a Sacrament celebrated.
Congratulations Andy and Rhona. (I know Andrew keep an eye on this blog so he’ll know he’s wished well!)
