Congratulations to Monsignor Michael Conway, retired parish priest of St. Ignatius' RC Church, Wishaw, who celebrates the 60th anniversary of his ordination to the priesthood today.
Born in Newry Co.Down in 1940, he did his early studies in St. Colman's college in Newry followed by a spell at St. Kieran's College in Kilkenny. Other educational milestones were a B.A. from University College, Dublin and an M.Sc in Economics from the London School of Economics.
Following his ordination in 1963, he served in St James', Coatbridge, St David's, Plains, St Teresa's, Newarthill, St Monica's, Coatbridge and St Columba's, Viewpark before joining the Catholic Chaplaincy of Glasgow University where he served from 1977 to 1993. The respect for his contribution to the life of the University saw him honoured with an Honorary Degree of Doctor of Divinity in the Millennium Year having already been made a Prelate of Honour in 1988.
In 1993, he became the first Rector of the New National Seminary set up at Scotus College in Bearsden until 1999 when he became Parish Priest of St Ignatius', Wishaw. During his time as parish priest he instigated the renewal of the appearance of the church both outside and inside and since his retirement in 2012 he has continued to reside at St Ignatius' and play an active role in the life of the parish.
A Mass of Thanksgiving will be celebrated at 7pm this evening in St Ignatius's Church.
On this special occasion we give thanks to God for Mgr Conway's ministry in our Diocese over these past 60 years and ask the Lord to continue to bless and protect him each day. Ad multos annos!
