Fr. Billy Caulfield (left) is pictured with Bishop Denis Brennan following his ordination in Horeswood Parish Church on Sunday

A 50 year gap was bridged at the weekend in Horeswood Parish Church when local man, Billy Caulfield, became the first person to be ordained a Diocesan priest in the church since Fr. Jimmy Ryan, in 1967.

One of the most popular members of the community Fr. Caulfield’s popularity was highlighted by the large attendance at the historic occasion on Sunday afternoon.

Before family, friends, neighbours and a large congregation of clerics Bishop Denis Brennan took delight in ordaining Fr. Caulfield as a priest for ministry.

Parish Priest, Fr. Gerald O’Leary, said everyone in the community had been looking forward to the historic and joyous event.

“The members of our choir were learning new hymns and honing their talents with Fr. Tomás Kehoe since January,” he said.

Their hard work paid off as they performed a beautiful programme during the service to the delight of everyone present.

The approach of the choir was, according to Fr. O’Leary, indicative of the admiration and support for Fr. Caulfield’s decision to enter into priesthood.

The local Pastoral Council was also praised for its involvement in preparing for the event.

For Fr. Caulfield it was the culmination of a spiritual journey that began when he served mass in the same church with retired priest, Fr. John French.

Fr. Caulfield is the eldest son of Liam and Anne Caulfield and has three bothers, Martin, Brian and Padraig.

Fr. O’Leary and Bishop Brennan acknowledge the support of Liam and Anne towards their son in his decision and they were commended for having a hugely positive influence on him especially in the area of faith.

For Fr. Caulfield, Sunday’s ordination was the culmination of a journey he knew he was always destined to take.

“As a young boy I always felt drawn towards the church; it felt like home and often found myself looking forward to going to the devotions and mass,” he said.

At 35 years-of-age Mr. Caulfield entered the priesthood later in life than most.

“I’ve always been more of a practical person than an academic and it took me some time to have the courage and to find the belief in myself needed to become a priest,” he said.

Having worked as a chef for over 10 years Fr. Caulfield said he was always happy but never fulfilled and his outlook changed following trip to Medjugorje in 2006 in the company of Mgr. Don Kenny – who was the first person to invite him to consider becoming a priest.

Having also attended World Youth Day in Sydney, in 2008, Fr. Caulfield spent a week in the parish of Glenhuntly, in Melbourne and following his return home made a decision to return to that parish down under for an extended stay and while working there among the elderly and needy he found his true calling.

Shortly afterwards he returned to Ireland and began to take the first steps towards joining the priesthood and entered St Patrick’s seminary in Maynooth in August, 2011, at the age of 30.

Fully aware of the challenges facing the church he is convinced of the need to “meet people where they are at”.

Following the ordination the congregation was invited back to Campile Hall for some light refreshments.

Fr. Caulfield celebrated his first mass in Horeswood Church yesterday evening at 7 p.m.