SUMMER BREEZES

‘The summer wind came blowing in from across the seas’: Ol’Blue Eyes himself, Frank Sinatra, recorded this song about the changes wrought in life with the turning of the seasons after he had basked in the summer wind of contentment. This year’s summer breeze brings a big change to our Parish of Togher with the departure of our dear Parish Priest, Canon Robert Brophy, for pastures new. Indeed the summer wind will speed him across the seas to a position working with the Latino community in California.

 Since his arrival in August 2011, Fr.Brophy as he prefers to be known, has brought new life and enthusiasm to the parish. He entered into the lives of so many people, using his great pastoral gifts, and offering support and comfort at critical times in their lives. His good humour and pleasant manner put people at ease, encouraged people’s own initiatives and allowed people to participate. Children loved to meet him in the church or the school as he was always able to relate to them (when complimented on this, he always claimed that he never grew up anyway!). He supported the life of the schools in every way that he could.  Materially, he has led the refurbishment of much of the church building, including the repair of the roof, heating, electrical and security systems, live streaming etc. While all of these things are important, it is Fr.Brophy’s celebration of Mass and his wonderful homilies that endeared him to the people of Togher and beyond. 

We will miss Fr.Brophy in so many ways but change is inevitable in all of our lives. Considering the rapid secularisation of our country, priests like Fr.Brophy are so valuable because they point the way to the Father in these times when some of us feel like aliens in our own land.  May God speed Fr.Brophy on his journey, keep him safe and healthy in his new life, and may God also bless the parish of Togher during this time of transition.

“I will never forget you my people, I will hold you in the palm of my hand, I will never forget you, I will not leave you orphaned, I will never forget my own”

Elizabeth Murphy.

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