Fr Paul Carey - Photo: St Columbans Mission Society
Fr Paul Carey was born the seventh of nine children of Francis John and Alma Carey. He grew up in this loving and faith-filled family in Palmyra, near Fremantle, WA. Following schooling at St Gerard’s Primary School (now Our Lady of Fatima Primary School) Palmyra, Paul worked for several years as a warehouse salesperson. However, he wished to follow his dream of becoming a Columban missionary priest. He began this journey studying firstly at St Charles’ Seminary, Guildford WA, and then continuing at St Columban’s College in Sydney. After completing his study, Paul was ordained to the priesthood at St Mary’s Cathedral Perth on June 29, 1963.
Fr Paul took up his assignment to Korea the following year (1964-72; 1978-83). There, after language studies, he was appointed to ChunCheon Diocese in Gang Weon Province. In the parishes of Chorweon, Soseok and Yongweol, he served remote communities of the Church which were blossoming after the Korean War. He fell in love with the people and Korea itself, being inspired particularly by the warmth and tenacity of the people. However, there were also many physical hazards for him and his jeep to surmount. Rivers to be crossed, icy in winter and swollen in summer; potholed and windy mountainous roads to be traversed; treacherous black ice lurking around shaded corners on the few tar-sealed roads existing at that time, all a challenge to the young enthusiastic missionary.
As if this was not enough, while in Chorweon, he was often woken at night by the ‘boom’ of mortar fire and the ‘ratter-tat-tat’ of machine guns when the armies of the two Koreas exchanged fire across the Demilitarized Zone. Nevertheless, on a wing and a prayer, Fr Paul and his jeep overcame these obstacles. His beloved jeep also was a life saver for his people, doubling as an ‘ambulance’ ferrying the sick to hospital. It was a rewarding life for Fr Paul - one he embraced as part and parcel of his mission of journeying with poor people still recovering from the devastation of the Korean War.
Back in Australia, (1972-1978: 1983- 2023), Fr Paul worked tirelessly ‘on the road’, promoting Columban mission and fostering vocations. He was also Superior in Brisbane, Essendon and finally Perth. In Perth, he especially renewed his association with the Korean people. There he gathered the fledgling Korean Catholic Community and nurtured their faith for many years. This community is flourishing to this day.
He also continued his passion for mission to people through the Charismatic Renewal Movement. Moreover, during his 30 years in Perth, he was a spiritual guide and companion to those protecting the vulnerable through the Right to Life Movement and Pregnancy Assistance.
In all these phases of his missionary journey, Fr Paul shared himself with all in a spirit of hospitality. This spirit of hospitality came so naturally to him that it is clear he learnt from the example of his parents and family.
Fr Paul spent the last two and a half years of his life at Margaret Hubery House in Rossmoyne, WA. There, he bore his physical limitations with great faith and dignity. At the same time, he continued to minister with deep compassion to other residents, especially those in the last moments of their journey on earth. Fr Paul himself completed his earthly journey, passing away peacefully in Margaret Hubery House on May 4, 2023.
Having given his all to people as a Columban missionary, we say with gratitude, may you now rest in peace Fr Paul, the peace you so richly deserve.
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Related links
- Read more from The Far East - June 2023
