EMOTIONAL FAREWELL TO A TRUE PASTOR OF THE PEOPLE
THERE is something distinct about Fr Joe Deegan. He has spent the last 15 years in Slane and has become a local in every sense of the world. When he departs the village at the end of this month, expect tears, plenty of them, from everyone. Very few priests can truly say they have made the impact that he has. He would be the last to look for such plaudits, but he might just have to sit back and take them in the coming few weeks.
He said he felt like ‘a sapling placed in healthy soil’ when he arrived by the Boyne, and in that time grew strong, but now, must pull up those mighty roots and move on.
So where will have the delights of Fr Joe’s caring manner and total enthusiasm for the job?
A spot called Chongqing to be exact!
It’s in southern China, is slightly bigger than Monknewtown (a population of 40 million!) but will mean Fr Joe can take on a new challenge with gusto.
‘I knew I’d be moving on from Slane at some stage,’ he states. ‘But I have a wandering heart and served for six years in Africa before I came to Slane.’
Some years ago he met the former principal of St Mary’s in Drogheda, Fr Gerry Rice, who headed to China for a couple of years after he finished up in Drogheda. His role was with the Columban Fathers. They chatted about China and Fr Joe was taken with his words. ‘I think that planted the seed,’ he revealed. He has been picking up a few words in advance of his departure come the middle of August.
He’ll leave behind a pretty upset community it has to be said, judging by the reaction to his departure.
‘I will miss Slane deeply,’ he states.
Just before the school holidays he had to go to the school and say farewell to a ‘great staff ’ and great kids and that was tough. ‘Look, it was emotional. It is a great place.’
He says good friends have been made in Slane down the years and it fitted in nicely with his desire to see the Church as a friend to those who seek happiness, friendship, solace and a guiding hand at crucial times in everyone’s life.
‘Slane is a beautiful place, from the people to the Hill of Slane, the poetry of Francis Ledwidge to its richness in history and culture.’
As he packed boxes last week, the inevitable prangs of departure surrounded him, but he was thankful to have been there for people all these years.
‘I’ve been honoured by the reaction of people, truly,’ he admits.
He knows the older people in particular will find it strange, an old face going and a new one arriving, but that’s the circle of life in many ways and something many priests and parishes have had to deal with.
One of Fr Joe’s biggest pleasures is his trusty bike and he was part of the Slane Spinners. Last week, 35 members headed off with him for a last spin around the beautiful valley of the blackbird.
‘Cycling is my sanity. When things got stressful, I got up on the bike and headed out and came back with a clear head.That’s important,’ he warned.
While he won’t be bringing his own bike with him, he hopes to pick one up in China.
At last count,there were 430 million of them in the country!
‘I will miss Slane and the people, good friends,’ he concluded.