Fr Michael Corkery now a septuagenarian

Septuagenarian Fr Michael Corkery PP being congratulated by parishioners at Holy Cross Church, Glanworth last weekend, back: Bridie O’Connell (Glanworth church sacristan) and Mary Lawton (church registrar), with front: Michael Healy (chairman parish council) and Joan O’Neill (parish secretary). (Picture: P O’Dwyer)

It was a wonderful occasion for the parish priest of Glanworth, Ballindangan and Curraghagalla last week, as Fr Michael Corkery celebrated his 70th birthday in the parish that has been his ‘home’ for the past 11 years.

Rather than lament the ageing process however, Fr Corkery rather welcomes the wisdom that comes with age, particularly in his profession.

“It crept up on me by stealth – I don’t feel old enough for it yet! In an age where there is so much emphasis on ‘youthfulness’, passing 70 can be a challenge. However, priesthood is the one profession where such an event could be an enhancement.

“You see, ‘Wisdom’ is expected to be a characteristic of the priest. In the Old Testament, it was reckoned that all wisdom came from God.”

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