Father Moroney Celebrates Golden Jubilee

A young Irishman from the Emerald Isle, Father Michael Moroney began his pastoral journey as assistant pastor at St. Mary of False River in New Roads in June 1971, one month after his ordination.

He celebrated his first Mass at St. Bartholomew Church in his hometown of Athea, Ireland, about 100 miles southwest of Dublin.  He was one of 24 Irish ordained by Archbishop Thomas Morris, bishop of Cashel and Emily in the Cathedral of the Assumption in Thurles County, Tippery Ireland.

Father Moroney, who is currently pastor at St. Alphonsus Church in Greenwell Springs, is the oldest of four children born to Dan and Mairead Moore Moroney. He studied philosophy at Mount Melleray Abbey in Ireland and went to St. Patrick’s College in Thules to complete his studies in theology. 

For the first 15 years of his ministry, Father Moroney’s only communication with his parents was through writing letters, as they did not have a telephone in their home. 

Quick to adapt and impressed with the hospitality of folks in Louisiana, Father Moroney eagerly began his service in religious life, wanting to get to know his church family, and determined to master the tricky pronunciation of family names  indigenous to Louisiana.   

“I found a place where people made me feel at home and I went from eating meat and potatoes to eating crawfish and seafood,” he joked.   

Father Moroney likens his homeland to south Louisiana, saying the lifestyles are similar and there is a relaxed attitude among people in both places.  

“Folklore and storytelling are even similar,” he said.

Father Moroney is adamant that the family unit is critical to sustaining those traditions. Communities of closely-bound families have been one of the great strengths of his native Ireland home and of the south and is saddened  to realize that the current disconnect in many families is diminishing that strength.

Always having had a special place in his heart for young people, Father Moroney’s work with them has always been a bright spot in his ministry.  Weekend work in a street rescue, halfway house for youth in London, was instrumental in his making the decision to enter the priesthood, he said.  

Father Moroney found it gratifying to see the potential the youth had which could provide insight into their capabilities.  Instead of pointing out flaws and weaknesses, he liked to focus on their strengths to offer opportunities that could offer positive outcomes.  Stressing the need for a positive self-image by telling them “You’ve got to believe in yourself before others will believe in you” was his way of reinforcing their potential to be successful.  

Likewise, his advice to adults regarding young people was never underestimate them for fear of losing the untapped energy and success within each one of them.

Father Moroney has no regrets about entering the priesthood.  Coming from a country where the Irish were persecuted for their faith for centuries, he said that background of defending faith has instilled a dedication and commitment that has always been a part of Irish history.  

“When one lives through difficulties faced in Ireland, God will always see his people through tough times,” he said.  His upbringing taught him that life is good and goodness will prevail.  Father Moroney believes the challenges and hard times he has faced, especially those things that are unpredictable, have made him stronger.

Admitting to being basically shy, Father Moroney recounts how shyness can be misconstrued into being distant or even dismissive.  He considers himself an introvert and enjoys his own space.  He also said he is most happy in his lifestyle and the diversity the priesthood has given him.

Parishoners witness him in his role as priest, pastor and counselor but do not always see him as an individual who has personal feelings and emotions just as anybody else.  

Father Maroney said one of his more difficult times was when he had to deal with the loss of both parents. As clergy members,  priests deal with death every day but there is a fine line between being compassionate and concerned but not emotionally entangled in personal problems and tragedies.  

“One must exercise patience, put things into perspective and always include prayer,” Father Moroney said. “But emotionally, when it is your own family, you are hit hard.  Priests are not machines with no human side.  Nonetheless, that side is there for all of us and those were some very, hard days for me.”

He admitted that having experienced the loss of his parents has given him a greater appreciation for what others experience when they lose family members.

He said experiencing the flood of 2016 and the coronavirus has been stressful for many, adding the widespread devastation of the flood and the paralyzing conditions of the pandemic gave him cause to examine the best way to continue serving St. Alphonsus parishioners and their needs with the constraints imposed on everyone.  

“The call of a new challenge in the profession of priesthood is something that makes you pick yourself up and engage yourself in the process if you want good things to happen,” he said.  

He praised the efforts of the St. Alphonsus staff and said he is grateful for a gradual sense of normalcy returning. 

For those considering the call of priesthood, Father Moroney said he advises young men to “be open to challenges along the way.  Don’t set such strict and rigid agendas and limit yourselves to only following a set path.  If an opportunity presents itself, explore it.  Redirection may be God’s way of altering your plans and putting you where he needs you most.”

Father Moroney said one of his greatest joys is reconnecting with people who share that he had a positive impact and influence in their lives. 

“It is extremely rewarding to know (I) had a hand in molding their future,” he said, adding the generosity of people willing to share time and talent in their church life are blessings he has received “over and over.”  

Provided his health stays good, Father Moroney said at some point he would like to retire taking time to enjoy his hobbies of reading short stories, outside yard work, racquetball, bicycling and watching football games with friends.  What keeps him going, he said, is that he is in such a great place at St. Alphonsus and the many places he has served the Lord for the last half-century.