Middlesbrough: Popular priest marks retirement with debut book

A much-loved Catholic priest has marked his retirement after 52 years of service to the Diocese of Middlesbrough by publishing his first book. Father Tom O'Neill has served parishes in Hull and Middlesbrough, where he was most recently parish priest of the Holy Name of Mary in Linthorpe for 15 years.

Parishioners packed the parish hall for a special celebration evening after Father Tom's retirement Mass.

Dr Peter Rowland, a parishioner for 60 years, paid a special tribute before presenting gifts on behalf of the parish.

He said: "This is both a joyful and a sad moment: joyful for Father Tom and sad for us. Father Tom could have retired two years ago but he chose to stay with us until now.

"He has been a wonderful spiritual leader and his time with us has been a blessing. He has deep compassion and understanding and he has been a great help to me and I am sure to many others.

"His homilies are powerful and challenge us to grow in our faith and he always leaves us to ponder for a few minutes."

A keen sportsman, Father Tom would tell parishioners he would be away for a few days "on a course" - and they soon came to realise that meant a golf course in Portugal!

The new book, Talking to Myself, contains reflections published on the parish Facebook page during the pandemic, when they could not meet in person.

They include thoughts that came to Father Tom as he spent time alone and went on daily walks in the area, observing the wonders of nature and reflecting on the presence and love of God.

"This collection of reflections began as a way to stay connected with a parish community," says Father Tom. "Each week, I sent out a short thought or two - simple reflections to offer encouragement and connection.

"Each one stands alone and isn't part of a sequence, so I'm asking people to read them one at a time, as they were originally shared. Let the words settle, then turn inward. "In this quiet space, a conversation begins between you and God. This is the 'pearl of great price' Jesus spoke of: the place where he finds you, and you find him."

One parishioner said: "Father Tom shared Pope Francis' passionate message for the Church to be recognised and identified as a 'field hospital'. He reminded us always to be aware of the needs of others, reaching out to the housebound, the sick, the dying and the bereaved."

Father Tom was born in Tipperary in 1948 and joined the Diocese of Middlesbrough after his ordination at Thurles in 1973.

He initially served in Hull and then spent eight years in Kenya, an experience that had a lasting influence on his ministry and spirituality.

Ten years ago, Father Tom underwent major surgery for cancer and he inspired parishioners with the strength and quiet dignity with which he faced the illness. He will continue to live in the parish in his retirement.

The book is priced £8 plus P&P and can be ordered in paperback from www.mcgearymedia.co.uk/books or as an ebook from Amazon.