The Diocese of Cloyne celebrated the ordination of Tiernan Burke as a new transitional deacon in Whitechurch on Saturday.

A native of Whitechurch, Mr Burke will work in ministry in the diocese, undertaking parish duties similar to a priest, ahead of the next stage of becoming ordained as a priest in 2026.

Bishop of Cloyne William Crean, the ordaining prelate, was joined by priests and deacons from across the diocese. Also in attendance were members of Tiernan’s family, his classmates, and friends.

Memorable

Speaking to The Echo, Mr Burke reflected on what was a memorable occasion at the ordination Mass, celebrated at St Patrick’s Church in Whitechurch.

“How powerful the ceremony was, the liturgy with the bishop and the choir. There were more than 40 priests there from across the diocese and beyond,” he said.

“The response of the community, they cleaned up the whole grounds of the church… flower arrangements and marquees.

“The whole village was cleaned up and houses painted. There was bunting put up. There was a big sign also up in Whitechurch. So, it has been powerful, the response, and what people have done for me.”

Mr Burke said that from a young age he had wanted to become a priest.

Journey

He worked as a manager at Whitechurch Service Station for many years, before commencing his journey to becoming a priest in 2017.

“It has always been at the back of my mind. But I eventually did something about it when I was 32 or 33,” he said.

“I always dreamed of getting ordained in Whitechurch. When the church was rebuilt by the community back in 1987/1988, my father was one of the architects involved.

“So the church in Whitechurch is very special to me.”

Mr Burke made the first step in the formation process by entering the Royal English College in Valladolid in Spain, in preparation for joining the National Seminary in Maynooth in September 2019, and commencing his academic study of philosophy. Then, in September 2021, he began the study of theology, which he completed during this past semester.

During his time in seminary, Mr Burke had a number of pastoral placements, including at the Capuchin Day Centre in Dublin, and assisting in Clane parish.

He completed a pastoral year, during which he spent over six months in the parish of Mallow, also completing a chaplaincy course at the Mater Hospital in Dublin.