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Only a Priest
A young parish priest calls for help in dealing with a problem beyond his experience and capability. A veteran priest comes out of unwanted retirement to answer the call. Father Gilbert, a former missionary, has served in one of the world’s toughest missions, before a breakdown and fall from grace saw him hand over his stole. Overcoming a profound sense of unworthiness, he has returned to the priesthood. Not wearing the disgrace of his former life lightly, he is driven to make amends. He forms an unlikely alliance with the young Father Ward, and together they fight an ancient Enemy, wearied not by time.
Only a Priest is poignant, funny and thought-provoking, as it looks at today’s Catholicism and reflects back on both the weaknesses and strengths . The book gives an understanding inside-look at a church trying to navigate through our rapidly changing times, without compromising the core of its own faith, with the sympathetic characters of both the old and the young priest giving this story warmth, even as it asks the hard questions.
Dr. Lyn Wytenbroeck.
A very compelling story within a contemporary setting. I had difficulty putting the book down and that hasn’t happened in a long time . This story, while fictional, is grounded in reality. The writer’s literary experience, plus his rich life history, has enabled him to deliver a persuasive tale. This is done via the medium of conversation pieces, mainly between the two colourful characters who dominate the book. This rich technique gives it fluency and makes the book easy to follow. Well worth a read .
Sir Patrick J. Lynch. KNZM, QSO.
This book really resonates with many aspects of what it is to be priest. It would make good reading for seminarians and a copy should be in the seminary library . Father Larry Rustia.
Only a Priest is poignant, funny and thought-provoking, as it looks at today’s Catholicism and reflects back on both the weaknesses and strengths . The book gives an understanding inside-look at a church trying to navigate through our rapidly changing times, without compromising the core of its own faith, with the sympathetic characters of both the old and the young priest giving this story warmth, even as it asks the hard questions.
Dr. Lyn Wytenbroeck.
A very compelling story within a contemporary setting. I had difficulty putting the book down and that hasn’t happened in a long time . This story, while fictional, is grounded in reality. The writer’s literary experience, plus his rich life history, has enabled him to deliver a persuasive tale. This is done via the medium of conversation pieces, mainly between the two colourful characters who dominate the book. This rich technique gives it fluency and makes the book easy to follow. Well worth a read .
Sir Patrick J. Lynch. KNZM, QSO.
This book really resonates with many aspects of what it is to be priest. It would make good reading for seminarians and a copy should be in the seminary library . Father Larry Rustia.
185 pages, Paperback
Published February 13, 2022
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September 18, 2023
Thoroughly enjoyed reading this book. A familiar journey through the Rural Far North of New Zealand including some very relatable characters. The Author does a great job of exploring the role and space of Catholicism in the modern day. A thoroughly good read.
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