A joyous occasion was celebrated in Derry today as the Rev Shaun Doherty begins his new life in the priesthood.
The former broadcaster was the voice of Donegal’s Highland Radio for almost 30 years, listening to the issues of all people in his community.
Now, Fr Doherty brings his compassionate ear and his familiar voice to the northwest community again as a witness of the Gospel in the Derry Diocese.
He was ordained by Bishop Donal McKeown in St Eugene’s Cathedral, in the company of friends, family, the priests and the community of the Diocese. Around the world, friends of Shaun’s joined together in prayer as he received the Sacrament of Holy Orders.
Fr. Shaun Doherty with Bishop Donal McKeown after his ordination in St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry.
Among the many poignant moments of the ceremony was Rev Shaun being vested by his cousin, Fr Daniel Doherty, who is based in Scotland.
Bishop Donal McKeown, in his Homily, called on Rev Shaun to share his story and his understanding of life’s challenges as he helps people hear Jesus’ message of hope.
Bishop McKeown said: “Shaun, as you step forward today for ordination, with lots of people around you, some may say you are crazy. I would agree with them. You are, that is correct. You could have chosen a much easier path for the next chapter of your life. But you are crazy enough to believe that God has chosen you for this ministry, at this time, in this place. He has a special job for you that he has for no one else. All your life up to now has been part of your preparation for this ministry.”
The next years will not be easy, Bishop McKeown said, adding that there is much healing to the done in the Irish church because of much power that was abused in the past.
“By a life of prayer and generosity, of courage and honesty, you actually can be a fabulous advertisement for Jesus,” he told Rev Shaun.
Fr Shaun Doherty pictured after his ordination in St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry.
Fr. Shaun Doherty receiving a rapturous applause from fellow priests after his ordination in St. Eugene’s Cathedral, Derry.
A lifetime of faith and experiences has guided Shaun Doherty on his journey to God, which he has pursued with passion since his resignation from the airwaves in 2017.
He spent a year with the Royal Scots College in Spain before training at the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, next door to the Basilica of St Paul Outside the Walls. He finished his exams just weeks ago before travelling home for today’s ordination celebration.
Born in Stoke-on-Trent on August 20, 1964, to a Derry-born mother and Inishowen-born father, Shaun Doherty first took an interest in the priesthood at the age of 15. He grew up surrounded by people of strong faith and, while the vocation of priesthood was a real possibility, he was put off by the academic requirements.
Decades later, Shaun’s faith was deepened by his experiences of attending Mass at St Anthony’s Retreat Centre and Columba House in Derry.
In a recent interview with The Net Diocesan newspaper, he said that Columba Community founder, Fr Neal Carlin was hugely influential in his decision to follow the call to God. The late Fr Carlin of Inishowen was also the founding father of White Oaks Rehabilitation Centre.
The Rev Shaun has also expressed his intentions to do God’s work by helping people who are suffering from addiction and those who have issues with anxiety, depression, and loneliness.
Speaking ahead of his ordination, Rev Shaun said: “I look forward to being involved in the lives of people. I particularly feel that I would like to be with people on the margins. There are so many issues and problems today, so many feeling hopeless. Hopefully, my story will be a source of encouragement for people that there is always hope because of the goodness of God. His love and generosity is boundless and never ends.”
Rev Shaun will celebrate his first Mass in St Columb’s Church, in the Waterside, on Monday, July 3, the Feast of St Thomas the Apostle, at 7.30 pm.
A welcome reception will also take place this Sunday evening in the Iosas Centre and Celtic Prayer Centre near Muff.
