PRESS RELEASE
18 APRIL 2006
TWO DEACONS ORDAINED AT THE
IRISH COLLEGE, ROME
Two students from the Pontifical Irish College were ordained deacons in Rome on
Easter Monday. Bernard Healy from the Diocese of Kerry and Philip Kemmy from
the Diocese of Raphoe were ordained by Archbishop Thomas White who is a retired
Papal Nuncio. The ceremony took place in the Church of Saint Alphonsus which
contains the original icon of Our Lady of Perpetual Help.
Both candidates were joined by their families who came from Ireland for the ordination.
Bernard Healy is the son of David and Bridie Healy from Tralee, Co Kerry and Philip
Kemmy is the son of John and Mary Kemmy from Buncrana, Co Donegal.
In his homily, Archbishop White called on the candidates to be people of faith, prayer
and joy. Quoting from a talk that Pope Benedict had given to a group of Benedictine
monks just two days before entering the conclave which elected him Pope last year,
Archbishop White noted that: “What we need above all in this moment of history are
people who, through an illuminated and lived faith, render God credible in this world.”
Two Italian students from the Irish College were also ordained deacons in their home
parishes recently. Ciro Savino was ordained in Taranto and Michele Spataro was ordained
in Rossano-Carriati. Another student, Salvatore Spataro, will be ordained to the
priesthood in the Messina (Sicily) later this month.
Notes for Editors
* A photograph is available, from the Catholic Communications Office, of: Mgr
Liam Bergin, Bernard Healy Diocese of Kerry, Bishop of Kerry Dr William Murphy,
Archbishop Thomas White, Philip Kemmy Diocese of Raphoe.
* The Irish College, Rome was founded on 1 January 1628 by the Irish Franciscan, Fr
Luke Wadding and the Italian Cardinal, Ludovico Ludovisi.
* It is the only surviving example of the large number of Irish seminaries established
on the European mainland during the penal law period in Ireland to educate priests for
the Irish Church.
* Past pupils include Saint Oliver Plunkett and Blessed Columba Marmion.
* Today, while the primary function of the College is the formation of seminarians and
priests for Ireland, it has also expanded to include the education of clergy for other
parts of the world.
* The College serves as a centre for Irish pilgrims during the summer holiday months.
In addition, the Irish College serves as a centre for the Irish community in Rome and
as a focal point for Irish culture.
* Each year over 200 Irish couples celebrated their weddings in the Irish College.
* The present rector is Monsignor Liam Bergin of the Diocese of Ossory.
Further information:
Martin Long, Director of Communications – 086 172 7678
Brenda Drumm, Communications Officer – 087 233 7797
