Limavady celebrates Monsignor Bryan McCanny's 40th anniversary
Tributes pour in for the parish priest’s four decades of community leadership.
The Limavady and wider Derry community have come together to celebrate the 40th anniversary of the ordination of Right Reverend Monsignor Bryan McCanny, PP, marking four decades of faithful dedication, leadership, and service to the Catholic Church.
The Ruby Jubilee celebrations follow the recent announcement that Monsignor McCanny was awarded the British Empire Medal (BEM) in the King's New Year Honours list. Approved by His Majesty the King, the prestigious civic honour was bestowed upon him in recognition of his outstanding services to the community in Limavady, where he has spent over 14 years.
Monsignor McCanny, who was ordained by Pope John Paul II, celebrated his 40-year milestone with a series of community events, including a special Mass of Thanksgiving at the Church of Christ the King in Limavady. The celebrations highlighted his profound impact across multiple parishes, including his 16 years of dedicated service in Limavady and his prior tenure as Administrator of the Long Tower parish in Derry from 2003 to 2007.
A spokesperson for Termoncanice Primary School expressed the deep gratitude felt by the staff and pupils during a special celebratory assembly: "Monsignor McCanny often talks to our children about the Good Shepherd stained glass window in St. Mary’s Church and how that can be used as an example of how to live our lives.
“We were delighted to collaborate with local artist Shauna McAteer to create a beautiful, bespoke painting based on that very window. We thank Monsignor McCanny for being a true Good Shepherd to Termoncanice and our parish down the years."
Local artist and school parent Shauna McAteer, who was commissioned to paint the gift, shared her personal pride in being part of the milestone: "I was so grateful to get the opportunity to personally thank Monsignor McCanny for his 16 years of dedicated service in the parish of Limavady and his 40 years of priesthood.
“Thank you to the school, all the teachers, assistants and a special thank you to Mr McCloskey and Mrs Deighan for being part of this wonderful occasion. I am so grateful.”
A representative from the Limavady Wolfhounds GAC stated: "Comhghairdeachas to Monsignor McCanny as he celebrates 40 years of Priesthood. We want to thank him sincerely for his continued faith, leadership, and dedicated service to our parish and our community."
Reflecting on his past service, a spokesperson for the Long Tower Parish in Derry added: "Monsignor Bryan is no stranger to Long Tower as he served here as Administrator from 2003 to 2007.
“We thank him for his time here and his faithful dedication and commitment to the people of all the parishes in which he served. Ad multos annos!"