The Newcastle West Confraternity of the Holy Family extended a warm welcome to Father Creagh and the members of the Arch-Confraternity of Limerick on the occasion of the Silver Jubilee celebration of the former. Father MacNamara, the Spiritual Conductor of the Newcastle West Confraternity, read the following address during the event:

Rev. Father Creagh and Brothers –

We have gathered here to meet you and extend our heartfelt greetings on your arrival in Newcastle West. Your presence here is an honour to us, and we, in turn, wish to welcome you warmly and express our gratitude. On behalf of our parishioners, the entire Confraternity, and the priests and people of this parish, we wish you abundant blessings and well wishes from the depths of our hearts.

Today, we come together to fulfill an important duty. We intend to publicly praise and thank God for the tremendous graces He has bestowed upon this parish through our Confraternity over the last twenty-five years. We are especially grateful for the grace of perseverance granted to nearly one hundred members who joined the Confraternity at its inception. We are humbled by the fact that you, representing not only the Catholic manhood of Limerick City and its surroundings but also the largest lay religious Association of its kind in the world, are joining us in this solemn act of public praise and thanksgiving.

As we unite under the banner of the Holy Family of Nazareth, the radiant rays of a brilliant midsummer sun will illuminate the scene. Amidst this glorious setting, our voices and hearts will be joined together in joyous celebration and thankfulness.

The Confraternity of the Holy Family in Newcastle West has been a source of great blessings for our parish over the past twenty-five years. Through our collective faith and devotion, we have witnessed God’s grace in abundance, strengthening our community and guiding our spiritual journey. Our members have upheld the virtues of the Holy Family, fostering love, unity, and compassion among us.

Father Creagh and esteemed members of the Arch-Confraternity of Limerick, your presence today marks an extraordinary moment of unity and solidarity among Catholic communities. Together, we stand as witnesses to the power of faith and the significance of living in accordance with the teachings of the Holy Family.

As we commemorate this Silver Jubilee, we cannot help but reflect on the countless prayers offered, the acts of kindness shared, and the bond that ties us together as brothers and sisters in Christ. Our Confraternity has been a wellspring of spiritual growth, inspiring us to live virtuous lives and to be a beacon of light in our community.

In this jubilant celebration, we acknowledge the support and guidance received from our clergy, especially Father MacNamara, whose leadership has been instrumental in nurturing the Confraternity’s spiritual growth. We also extend our gratitude to the people of Newcastle West for their unwavering devotion and commitment to the Confraternity’s mission.

As we embark on this momentous occasion, we rededicate ourselves to the values and principles that have guided us thus far. We pledge to continue fostering a community rooted in love, compassion, and faith. Through our collective efforts, we aim to be a source of inspiration and hope for others, reflecting the virtues of the Holy Family in all aspects of our lives.

Father Creagh and fellow Confraternity members, we are profoundly grateful for your presence and support in making this celebration a truly remarkable and unforgettable event. May God’s blessings continue to shower upon our Confraternity, strengthening our bond of unity and guiding us on our journey of faith.

Limerick Echo – Tuesday 11 July 1905