Fr Ben to celebrate 50 years since ordination
By Aideen O'Flaherty
A THANKSGIVING mass will be held on Thursday, June 21, to celebrate 50 years since the ordination of Fr Ben Moran, who was a chaplain in the then newly-opened Tallaght Community School in the 70s and has spent the vast majority of his priestly life as the parish priest in St Aengus’ Church in Balrothery.
Fr Ben was ordained by Cardinal Michael Browne in The Dominican Priory of St Saviour's in the city centre in July 1968, alongside nine other Dominicans.
Fr Ben Moran, parish priest in St Aengus
From 1972 to 1979, Father Ben was the chaplain for TCS, and he explained that the atmosphere at the time was one of “great exuberance”.
“Tallaght Community School was the first community school in the country, and it was a new concept in education.
“The school has matured since then, and great traditions have continued and there are now pupils from all over the world who go to the school.”
Fr Ben then became the parish priest for St Aengus’ in the 90s, and when asked what he has enjoyed most about being a priest for the past 50 years, Fr Ben said engaging with young people in the area, who he has seen grow through their education and also when receiving their sacraments, has been the most enjoyable aspect.
Reflecting on what it feels like to be on the cusp of marking 50 years since he was ordained, Fr Ben said: “It’s flown by, I can’t believe that 50 years has passed – it’s snuck up on top of me without me realising it.”
When he was ordained, Fr Ben had written ‘Lord, bless my father, mother, sisters, brother, friends and all those for whom you have made me a priest’ on his ordination card, and he has carried this viewpoint through his work as a priest since then, seeing his role as one that extends to others.
“Becoming a priest is not a personal thing,” Fr Ben said. “It’s primarily a service to others.”
All are welcome to attend Fr Ben’s Jubilee Mass of Thanksgiving, which will take place in St Aengus’ Church on Thursday, June 21, at 7.30pm.
