Get all your news in one place.
100’s of premium titles.
One app.
Start reading
Belfast Live
Belfast Live
National
Aoife Mckibbin & Claire O'Boyle

St Malachy's College loses clergyman over change in historic traditions

St Malachy's College will be without a full-time clergyman amongst its teaching staff come September.

In almost nearly two centuries the North Belfast School will break historic trends as they lose Father Michael Spence-who carries out teaching and chaplaincy services in the school.

This means that St Malachy's will be not have a priest amongst its teaching staff in over 186 years.

Earlier this week clerical changes have been made across the diocese of Down and Connor by Bishop Noel Treanor which has caused the change in the service needs.

Fr Spence has had a longing history in St Malachy's as he celebrates 25 years of teaching there, whilst carrying out curate duties in the community and other schools in the area including St Bernadette's. However, he will continue to provide chaplaincy services in the school.

Principal of St Malachy's said: "Fr Spence is a highly respected, esteemed, committed and talented teacher. He will be particularly remembered for his dedication to the guidance and formation for all students."

These diocesan changes will take place from Friday 23rd August.

Keep up-to-date with all the very latest news, what's on, sport and everything else in Belfast and beyond with the Belfast Live app.              

Only select news that interests you by picking the topics you want to display on the app's homepage. Plus, our enhanced user experience includes live blogs, video, interactive maps and slick picture galleries. Download it now and get involved.        

Click here to get it from the App Store or here for Google Play .

Sign up to read this article
Read news from 100’s of titles, curated specifically for you.
Already a member? Sign in here
Related Stories
Top stories on inkl right now
One subscription that gives you access to news from hundreds of sites
Already a member? Sign in here
Our Picks
Fourteen days free
Download the app
One app. One membership.
100+ trusted global sources.