It's OK - we have three priests

20.07.2009

There are 60,000 people in our parish." This was a surprise to the staff at Columban Mission Centre when Fr John Hegerty spoke about his  work in Peru. "It's OK" he said "We have three priests."  

Fr John is the Vice-Director of the Region of Peru and has worked in the spiritual formation of students in addition to his parish commitments. He has been in Lima for over 30 years and was home recently to have a holiday and to catch up with family and friends.

Fr John told the staff that one the biggest struggles in his parish role was keeping in contact with the people. As a way of managing one the busiest times of the year, John said that the parish relied heavily on parent participation in educating the children for First Communion. This approach seems to work well and brings the families together. These are important occasions for people, who in true Peruvian style, express their religious beliefs and joy through music and dance -a colourful event.

Health care in Peru is a serious issue and people who can't afford to purchase even the most basic items such as needles, thread and dressings prior to surgery and are not entitled to any care at all.

John has returned to Peru to continue working with the people, thanks to the support and assistance of Columban benefactors.