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Service of Holy Communion marks 65th anniversary of Bishop Mehaffey’s ordination

The former Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Rev Dr James Mehaffey, is celebrating the 65th anniversary of his ordination today.

The occasion was marked with a Service of Holy Communion in St Columb’s Cathedral in Londonderry, led by the Dean of Derry, the Very Rev Raymond Stewart, assisted by Rev Canon John Merrick. The Bishop of Derry and Raphoe, the Rt Rev Ken Good, presided.

Front row (left to right): Dean Raymond Stewart, Mrs Thelma Mehaffey, Bishop James Mehaffey, Bishop Ken Good and Canon John Merrick. Back row (left to right): Archdeacon Robert Miller and Archdeacon David Huss.
Front row (left to right): Dean Raymond Stewart, Mrs Thelma Mehaffey, Bishop James Mehaffey, Bishop Ken Good and Canon John Merrick. Back row (left to right): Archdeacon Robert Miller and Archdeacon David Huss.

Bishop Mehaffey was accompanied by his wife, Thelma, who pointed out that today is the Feast Day of Saint Phillip and St James, and Phillip is the name of their late son.

Among those in the congregation were the Archdeacon of Derry, the Ven Robert Miller, and the Archdeacon of Raphoe, the Ven David Huss. The latter was baptised by Bishop Mehaffey in 1975.

After the Service, friends and former colleagues gathered in the Chapter House to enjoy refreshments and fellowship. Bishop Good, who served as a curate under Bishop Mehaffey early in his own ministry, paid a warm tribute to his predecessor. He said the reason that he had found it easier – “not that it’s ever easy” – to come into Derry and Raphoe and serve as bishop, was because of the foundations that had been laid by Bishop Mehaffey.

“People said to me right from day one,” Bishop Good said, “’You’re stepping into big shoes here, you know?’ and I’m well aware of it.” Bishop Good thanked Dean Stewart, Canon Merrick and the Cathedral staff for organising today’s Service, and thanked God for Bishop Mehaffey’s many years of fruitful ministry.

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