Fr Phil’s Interview While preparing for Confirmation, we were learning about the seven sacraments, including Holy Orders. Today our friendly local priest, Fr Phil, popped in for a visit and we decided to interview him. Happily for us, he was generous enough to help us out. Here’s how the interview went: Q1. How many years did it take to become a priest?
“It took 7 years altogether, I spent the first 4 years studying Irish history, the next 2, I spent learning religion, and the final year, I learned about counseling”.
Q2. Why did you want to become a priest?
“I was inspired by my local priests as a child. Also, I had two neighbours who were missionaries and worked in Africa and the Philippines. They would come home every two-three years and visit us. I always found them happy and content with themselves, despite the tough conditions they lived in. one day when they were in their late 70s my mother asked them: “Do you ever think of retiring?” they answered: “No, the Philippines are our home. We want to die there with our people.” That was the time I first thought of becoming a priest.”
Q3. What do you dislike about being a priest?
“It’s very hard to say, if I had to answer, it would be dealing with the media, occasionally, if you’re doing an interview, people can spin your word and misquote you. ”( hopefully not here!)
Q4. What was your best memory being a priest?
“Best memory while being a priest would be celebrating the sacraments with my family, I loved watching my brother getting married, my younger cousins getting their first communion, and watching my brothers having confirmation”.
Q5. How long have you been a priest for? Will you ever retire?
“I have been a priest for 30 years. I was ordained (made a priest) on the 5th of June 1988. I hope to continue for the rest of my life.”
Q6. Which saint do you look up to the most?
“My favourite saint is Padre Pio, he was a very humbling man who lived in very bad conditions, still, he lived a very loving and christian life. He made a hospital which is only funded by local donations, it is now one of the biggest hospitals in the world!”
Q7. How different is it being a priest now from being a priest 30 years ago?
The main difference is the World changing. Faith is practiced less and less. Even after Communion and Confirmation, people don’t come to mass the day after!
And that was the last of them! It was all-round a great interview and we would all like to thank Fr Phil for kindly giving up his time.