Beloved Tipperary Bishop marks return to local village

If, as the saying goes, "It takes a whole village to rear a child," then on Sunday last, Littletonians and those from the wider Moycarkey-Borris Parish could feel very proud at the presence of Bishop Martin Hayes from Newhill.

Five years ago, he was appointed Bishop of Kilmore.

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His diocese includes parts of five counties divided into nine pastoral areas.

At national level, he represents the Irish Bishops in promoting care of the environment, and has recently put in place a two year course for the training of Pastoral Ministers.

Many will have known him for his work in the Thurles parish, and his dedicated work in setting up "Seeds of Hope," which is the plan guiding our local diocese.

He was welcomed as chief celebrant of the yearly Cemetery Mass by Fr Tom Fogarty PP, who was assisted by Fr George Bourke AP and Fr Joe Ryan on holiday from London, where he is active in the Pax Christi movement that campaigns against military spending, the arms trade and nuclear spending.

Bishop Martin referred on a number of occasions to his early school days in Littleton, the influence that village life had on him and his family especially the local creamery and business life.

"Littleton people were part of our growing up as a family," he said.

McDonagh Terrace was in construction and Church View and Derrynaflan had yet to be built.

In speaking on Saints Peter and Paul, who were martyrs for the faith, he reminded us that despite our failures or limitations, we can become leaders.

In this Jubilee Year of Hope, he prayed that we would all find peace in our hearts to share with others.

He remembered many of his friends buried there and that all would rest in God's peace.

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The very uplifting hymns sung by Helen Sullivan accompanied on the organ by Stella Quinn were carried across the village byTommy Healy's very professional sound system.

Prayers were said for World Leaders in the hope of lasting peace for the long-suffering people of Gaza.

Bishop Martin said he was very humbled by the unveiling of a plaque in his memory and thanked all who planned and put the same in place.

Bridget Hayes on behalf of the Parish Pastoral Team prayed for the future success and blessing of Bishop Martin's mission.

His old classmates Michael Boland, Toddy Welsh, and John Hayes were mentioned as friends who had a special influence on his early school days.

Thanks are due to Thomas Ryan and Philip Kinane, who organized the seating, and to the John Paul Youth Group, who prepared refreshments to readers, sacristans and Ministers of Communion without whose help the above celebration would not have been possible.

Some older Littletonians present might have remembered that the current cemetery is where one of the orchards of the former Ballydavid House, associated with the Power and Russell families was situated, later a target for local youth to steal a few apples.