EX-FOOTBALLER SAYS MASS FORMER NI STAR TURNED PRIEST TAKES HIS FIRST SERVICE
A FORMER Manchester United and Northern Ireland footballer ordained to the priesthood has taken part in his first Mass.
Philip Mulryne (39) was in Belfast for a special Catholic religious service at St Oliver Plunkett Church.
The new priest was joined by friends and well-wishers at last night’s Mass — just a few miles from Windsor Park, where he once wore the green jersey of Northern Ireland — flanked by white-robed members of his order.
After his journey through the youth system at Old Trafford he made his debut for the first team in 1997.
He was unable to secure a regular place in Alex Ferguson’s side and left Manchester to continue his football career at clubs including Norwich City, Cardiff City and Leyton Orient.
The clergyman said his vocation was a calling.
“This is a new chapter now in my life,” he said.
He undertook the rites associated with his faith, assisted by a more senior cleric, involving the blessing of sacraments, according to Catholic doctrine transforming bread and wine into the body and blood of Christ.
Mass-goers heard how his vocation as a friar preacher should be to “set hearts on fire” with the love of Jesus.
He was made a member of the Dominican Order at an ordination at St Saviour’s Church in north Dublin at the weekend.
Fr John Walsh alluded to the Eleventh Night bonfires, marking the Twelfth of July festivities.
He said: “Be an arsonist for Christ, to set the hearts as a friar preacher on fire with the love of Jesus.
“May your years of priesthood be as happy as mine.
“May your Dominican years be long and fruitful.
“May you never forget the seed that was sown in this place... who have come out in huge numbers to support you and your brothers.”
Originally from Belfast, Fr Mulryne will be assigned to join the chaplaincy team at Newbridge College, Co Kildare.
The footballer played 27 times for Northern Ireland and scored three goals. In 2005 he was suspended for a breach of discipline and missed two World Cup qualifying games.
After retiring in 2009 Fr Mulryne studied philosophy and theology before entering the Dominican novitiate house in Cork.
He then became a deacon last year.
During his ordination by Archbishop Augustine Di Noia in St Saviour’s Church on Sunday, the archbishop said: “Your experience as an athlete has helped to prepare for this moment.
“You have known the meaning of working hard to attain a goal, and now the goal is Christ.”