Father Michael Moloney has made theological history by presiding over his own son’s nuptials.

This is the second time Fr. Moloney has made history within the church. In 2008, he was readmitted to the priesthood after a 35-year break.

Fr Maloney was ordained a priest with the Society for African Missions in 1966, according to the Irish Times.

During his service to the church he was a missionary in Egypt, and he was also based in County Mayo. Three years later he applied to leave the priesthood.

By 1972 he was married to Marjorie Moloney with whom he had three sons and one daughter. Eventually, they settled in County Kildare where they worked as teachers.

When his wife died in 2005, Fr. Moloney decided to rejoin the priesthood, and by December 2008 he was readmitted. . Dr Jim Moriarty, Bishop of Kildare, welcomed him into a “new family”.

Fr Moloney now serves as a curate in the parishes of Daingean and Killeigh, County Offaly.

Fr Moloney’s second son, Paul, was delighted to have his father preside over his vows though he admitted,  “it feels strange.”

“With all that is happening in the church, it’s very reassuring to have someone like him as a priest … he has been through life.”

With his grandchildren staring up at him on the pulpit he said, “I’ve been able to experience life from all aspects.”