Aberdeen: New Redemptorist Priest ordained

Family photo - by Paul M McSherry

Fr. Peter Morris, CSsR, 31, was ordained to the priesthood in St Mary's Cathedral, Aberdeen on Monday, 26 October.

The young priest is a former seminarian for the Diocese of Aberdeen but discerned the call to religious life in the Redemptorists while at Scotus College, the then only seminary on Scottish soil. "The decision to join the Redemptorists was not easy," Fr Peter explained, "it certainly disappointed some who had hopes for me becoming a priest in the diocese."

Nevertheless, Fr Peter expressed his gratitude for the support he received from the Diocese in pursuing his calling. He added: "The occasions of coming home have been essential for keeping a sense of my roots. I'm still inspired by the generations of Catholics who kept the fire of faith burning in the area during the period of persecution."

Fr Peter was attracted to the preaching charism and community life of the Redemptorists and soon came to learn of their founder St Alphonsus Liguori.

He said: "St Alphonsus is a great example of a priest ablaze with love for those placed in his care. In fact, I see a lot of similarities between his and Pope Francis' writings."

The day was made even more special by the fact that Fr Peter was ordained by Bishop Ralph Heskett, CSsR, the Redemptorist who was his first superior when he entered the Congregation, now the Bishop of the Diocese of Hallam.

Fr Peter will return to London as curate of the parish the Redemptorists serve in Clapham. "I've got a lot to learn from the parish. There's plenty of work ahead and I'm looking forward to getting stuck in!"