Roman Catholic Diocese of Hexham and Newcastle

Articles on Vocation and the Priesthood

A Priest's Story - 11

Years ago – somewhere in the midst of memories and time – I realized I wanted to be a Priest. I cannot share with you when I knew, because there wasn’t really any moment or any day. I realize it must have been when I was very young. Nor do I remember ever making a decision or discussing it with my parents or family. It was as if it was always meant to be and that they always knew it and it didn’t need any dramatic announcement. Perhaps you can understand that, from something that happened in your own life. Sometimes things are meant to be.

My mother and family would never have presumed that one of their family would be ordained a Priest, but I understood that they would consider it a wonderful privilege. So no doubt they would have wondered and pondered and prayed, but at no time did they intrude in my thoughts or privacy, and although morning prayer and nightly Rosary was part of our daily lives, there was no false piety in our home, and rarely any public discussions of our faith.

My life as a Priest has brought me so many blessings and so much joy, although it was almost 10 years after ordination, that I began to really understand the Priesthood, and to understand my own personality or any gifts I may have had. I was always comfortable in the Priesthood, always happy to be a Priest and always grateful and surprised to be allowed to be so close to our people and to serve them. As all Priests will tell you, I have always been surrounded by wonderful people who loved me into being a Priest. I will never be able to express my thanks to my parents, brothers and sisters including my two brothers who also became Priests. Have you ever thought that it is only when we grow older that we come to know our families and to appreciate their goodness, generosity, faithfulness and, if I am allowed to say it, their holiness. The girl next door in Ireland made a Chasuble from her wedding dress for me. A few years later she died leaving two little children, and one of them became a Priest and assisted at my Silver Jubilee Mass. I constantly reflect how God in his gentle ways is present to us in our journey.

Now towards the end of my life, I try to enjoy each day and to be as peaceful as the world will let me be.I hope to share with my parish God’s wonderful goodness to me over the years. He is surely the God of surprises.

A few days before he died, Father George Carey, a great friend, said:
“God has given us a beautiful world”.
I hope I continue to enjoy it and be grateful.