Bishop Thomas J. Tobin installed Father Michael McMahon as the new pastor of St. Philip’s parish in Greenville on Sunday, Sept. 25. Bishop Tobin was the principal celebrant at the Holy Mass, which was concelebrated by Father McMahon and Father Philip Dufour, assistant pastor. Deacon Joseph Day assisted.
“I welcome you to this very special liturgy this morning, on a blessed day, in which we come to install a new pastor, a new shepherd for your parish community,” said Bishop Tobin in his opening remarks. “Pray that God will bless you and the pastor of the parish as you always work together to strengthen the Church and make Jesus present in our world.” In his homily, the bishop said the installation of a new pastor is a very significant moment for both the priest himself and for the whole parish community. “I want to extend my personal congratulations, my prayers and my appreciation and my blessings to Father McMahon as he begins this new chapter in his priestly life and ministry.”
Bishop Tobin also mentioned in his homily the rich liturgical, educational and evangelical life of St. Philip’s, further noting that all of the efforts of the Church are centered on the Eucharist as the Source and Summit of the Christian life.
“All the great saints who came before us also came to the altar of the Lord to receive the Holy Eucharist, receiving the Body and Blood of Christ. That was for them the Source of holiness as well.”
At the end of the Mass, Father McMahon offered his appreciation for the devotion shown by all those who worked over the last couple of weeks to make the installation Mass possible.
“It proves to me why St. Philip’s is truly a great, committed parish. I’m lucky I get to be here,” he said. A light lunch followed in the parish center.
