Page 8 - LOTN Autumn Issue 54 2023

DIOCESE

charge or a shot across the bows to some of us when you though always starts to look a bit better after a latte and cream cake.
it necessary! And culturally, some of us we have also learned how to make a
It can be lonely being an ever-present convoy escort and, of Maltese Cross. How do you make a Maltese Cross? ………. Just
course, a huge responsibility. And as for living conditions on fall asleep during one of his sermons!
board, not always salubrious though probably not much worse On a more serious note, how can we summarise the work
than many of the ‘parochial houses’ that you have lived in over that you have done during your 51 years of priesthood – that’s
the years! more than half a century! We are sure it’s had its high points and
Just as your own family certainly benefited from that convoy undoubtedly some low points (hopefully not this speech).
that reached Malta in 1942, we have benefitted from your work What we can say and reflect upon from your leadership, your
as our convoy escort. You urged us to read the bible, the gospels encouragement as our convoy escort in our journey in life, is
in particular. You went out of your way to explain each of the perhaps best summarised in one of St Paul’s letters. What St
readings every week at Mass – extremely useful and interesting Paul says is applicable to everyone here, but I think it reflects so
and making them more meaningful. You endlessly encouraged well on your approach to life and your ministry:
participation in the sacraments.
You constantly kept reminding us how lucky we were as “...the world, life or death, the present or the future -- all
Christians to live in this country. Yes, in our own country, our belong to you; but you belong to Christ and Christ belongs to
beliefs and values are constantly being challenged, but nothing God.”
like the persecution that our fellow Christians suffer in various (1 Cor 3:18 -21)
parts of the world. You always asked us to keep them in our Fr Patrick, on behalf of all the parish, we thank you for
prayers. escorting us on our life journey. We thank you for the great gift
You were receptive to new ideas – not always accepting of your sacrifice in being our parish priest, and we thank you for
them, but receptive! You encouraged those who wished to do having dedicated your life to God.
something, to do it. We only need to look at the thriving youth Your duty as our convoy escort is over. Enjoy this new phase
group, the help that is given to food banks, and the St Kizito of your life. Enjoy the sunshine, enjoy those lattes and cream
Schools and Community charity (The charity was founded in cakes. Enjoy your well-earned retirement and may it be long
2007 after a visit to Inverurie by a Ugandan priest Fr Gerald and filled with every happiness.
Wamala and now supports 19 Ugandan schools and assists For the past 11 years you have given us your blessing at the
the elderly, vulnerable and the sick). We even have a fantastic end of each Mass. Can we now reciprocate by giving you our
church garden because two parishioners came up with a good blessing?
idea and you let them get on with it.
Your time with us has shown that, as our life escort, you are “May the road rise up to meet you.
not afraid of new technology. Indeed, you led from the front, May the wind be always at your back.
using email to distribute the parish bulletin, establishing a May the sun shine warm upon your face;
parish website and using "Zoom" for meetings. And then the the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,
installation of display screens to assist in worship. May God hold you in the palm of His hand."
And of course, leading us by example in enjoying coffee and
cake – perhaps a glimpse of a weakness there! ………. The world Have a great retirement Fr Patrick!"

Taking a stand at the

University of Aberdeen's

Freshers' Week

he Catholic Society of the University of Aberdeen
together with the Companions of the Order of Malta
Thad a stand at the University's Freshers' Week in
September. This was the first time that the Companions
had representation at this important event for new
students.
The Aberdeen University Catholic Society is closely tied
to the Catholic Chaplaincy on campus, providing students
with a unique bridge between University and Diocesan
life while the Companions of the Order of Malta are a key
volunteer force in the Sovereign Military Order of Malta
which is a global Catholic religious lay order and charity
which cares for society’s marginalised.

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