Interviewer - As an Assumptionist priest now living in the U.S., would you share with us some of your family's background and how you came to know the congregation?

Fr. Aidan - I was born and raised in England of Irish descent 81 years ago and came to know the congregation through an Assumptionist priest who frequently celebrated Mass in a local Dominican convent. As a result, I attended an Assumptionist school, St. Michael's College, the recollection of which evokes many warm and happy memories.

- Where did your formation in the congregation and subsequent studies take you from there?

- Following the novitiate in England and a year of philosophy in France, I returned home to study Latin and history. After a brief teaching stint, I was ordained in Rome and earned a Licentiate in Theology at the Angelicum. Back home in London, I studied science and taught biology before becoming Provincial of the English province. My great joy and focus during those years was caring for the elderly and promoting vocations. After a sabbatical in the U.S. and a brief return to England, I settled in Massachusetts and spent fourteen happy years working in the parish of  St.Anne - St. Patrick's in Sturbridge.

- How does your obvious ‘joie de vivre,' Irish wit and humor continue to serve you well in ministry?

- Now that I am living at Old English Road, I help out in the house, celebrate Masses for the Notre Dame Sisters and the monthly liturgy at the college for alums and their families.

- What are some of your other interests and hobbies?

- I greatly enjoy working in two vegetable gardens, one at the house and the other of old standing in Sturbridge and my latest endeavor of taking piano lessons!

- What is your vision and hope for the Church and the congregation in the future?

- Reflecting on the Church of today, I see this time as a period of purification and foresee a bright future for the Church in Asia with the Assumptionists right up front.