PRESSRELEASE // Last Sunday friends, family and community members gathered at the Chapel of the Church of Scientology in Firhouse, Dublin 24 to celebrate the Ordination of Rev. Gerardine White and Rev. Vincent Kelly.
The celebration was opened with a moving musical tribute, prepared for this occasion by special guests – accomplished musician and composer Ken Tuohy and a five-time Oireachtas Na Gaeilge winner for traditional singing in Irish – Noel O’Grady.
Rev. White – a published Irish poet herself, originally from Co. Limerick, paid tribute to her late father, and recited one of his poems.
Rev. Kelly, from Co. Kildare, spoke of the positive influence Catholic priests had on his upbringing and the fact that the kindness and dedication he witnessed in these individuals inspired him to dedicate his life to helping people.
“We have ordained 25 Ministers since the pandemic,” said Diana Stahl – Director of Public Affairs at the Church of Scientology. “Most of the Ordained Ministers happened to be women, but this is purely accidental. There has never been any gender-based differentiation or limitation in Scientology, as the focus of the Scientology teachings is on the spiritual nature of the individual and on helping people to restore their full abilities and potential.”
In 2017 the Church of Scientology opened its current main facility in Dublin. Since then it has provided religious services to over 1,800 people, while volunteers from the Church have engaged in extensive community outreach and service – from human rights education, drug awareness campaigning and environmental projects to charity fundraising, interfaith work and hosting over 1,200 community events promoting and supporting arts, culture and heritage, welcoming over 300,000 guests.
To sum up the essence of the Scientology religion, Scientology Founder – author and humanitarian L. Ron Hubbard, wrote: “Scientology helps people to help one another. This is the message of all prophets in all ages. Help one another. It is a formula for life that cannot fail. It is the message of Scientology.”
