Congratulations to Fr Francis McGachey, Parish Administrator of St Patrick's Strathaven, who celebrates the Silver Jubilee of his Ordination today.
Fr Francis was the second of two priests ordained in the parish of St Barbara's Muirhead by Bishop Joseph Devine in 1997. Fr Francis studied at the Royal Scots College Salamanca and after ordination served as Assistant Priest of St Bridget's Baillieston and Chaplain of St Ambrose' High. During this time he also served as Master of Ceremonies for Bishop Devine. Fr McGachey then went to complete further studies in Rome where he achieved his Doctorate before returning to the Diocese to become Parish Priest of St Francis Xavier's Carfin and Guardian of Carfin Grotto. During his time in Carfin Fr McGachey became very well known to many people however due to ill health he had to stand down from Carfin and then spent some time at St Augustine's Coatbridge before being appointed to Strathaven.
We thank Fr McGachey for his 25 years of service to our Diocese and pray the Lord will continue to bless him in the many years ahead. Ad multos annos.
