Bishop Stephen Robson and priests from through Dunkeld Diocese and beyond attended Mass (on Friday 22nd June) at Our Lady of Good Counsel in Broughty Ferry in honour of the Rev. Anthony McCarthy’s 60th Anniversary as a priest.
Fr Tony was born in Cork and studied for the priesthood at All Hallows College, Dublin. He was ordained priest for Dunkeld on 22nd June 1958 by Archbishop Patrick Skinner CMI of Newfoundland. Since his ordination he has served in the following parishes: curate at St Serf’s, Highvalleyfield 1958-1962; curate at St Patrick’s, Dundee 1962-1964; curate at St John’s, Perth 1964-1971; parish priest of Holy Cross, Strathtay 1971-1973; parish priest of St Bride’s, Pitlochry 1973-1977 and parish priest of St Fillan’s, Crieff 1977-1984.
Fr Tony has served the last 34 years as parish priest in the Ferry and the mid-summer sun lit the evening Mass displaying the great beauty of the tapestries and stained glass that have been added to the glory of the church over these years. Rather than accepting a gift for himself, Fr Tony asked that parishioners might contribute to the installation of a new tune on Our Lady’s carillon.
The Rt. Rev. Stephen Robson, Bishop of Dunkeld, described Fr Tony’s achievement as “a wonderful milestone! I, along with all our priests, Deacons, Religious and parishioners, would like to congratulate Fr Tony on achieving this great milestone. When the Lord calls, he always promises to supply the graces necessary to follow and serve him well. Fr Tony is the third of our triumvirate of Diamond Jubilarians still in active priestly service in our diocese.”
“Together with fellow jubilarian, Monsignor Basil O’Sullivan (Dunblane), Fr Tony was trained at the great All Hallow’s Seminary, Maynooth, in his native Ireland. Dundee born Monsignor Charles Hendry (Perth) celebrates his 65th anniversary next month. When the Lord calls, he always promises to supply the graces necessary to follow and serve him well.”
Fr Tony received a Papal Blessing, arranged for him by Fr Mark Cassidy who is returning to the diocese from Scot’s College in Rome. Fr Tony is especially excited by an invitation to Rome, on St Andrew’s Day, to which, together with other great jubilarians, he has been invited to celebrate Mass with Pope Francis.
Listen again to Mgr Hugh McInally’s homily CLICK HERE
