PICTURES: Journey from NCR to Southill via Zambia for Limerick priest celebrating golden jubilee

LIMERICK-BORN Jesuit priest Fr Joe Hayes witnessed the ravages of the AIDS epidemic in Zambia, lived through the southern African country gaining its independence from the UK and saw former students rise to the top of the new Government.

Fr Hayes, aged 80, from Revington Park, North Circular Road, Limerick city, celebrated his golden jubilee in Holy Family Parish Church, Southill where he has spent the last decade.

As he reflected on his 50 years as a priest, Fr Hayes said the priesthood has been a wonderful opportunity to meet people at very deep levels but he didn’t always find the celibate life easy.

Asked by the Leader if he would make any different choices, he said the world was a very different place when he was a teenager in the 1950s and considering becoming a priest.

“When I joined the Jesuits I wanted to please God, but the God I was trying to please was more so a God I feared. I wanted to do a little good with my life for other people. In those days, the options were quite limited. Now, there's so many options where people can contribute to making our world a better place. 

“Secondly, I didn't always find it easy to live celibacy and missing the intimacy of marriage. I think there are other ways one can serve people but also be a married person and have the support and companionship of marriage,” said Fr Hayes. 

The Jesuit said the priesthood has been a wonderful opportunity to meet people at very deep levels and be there for them in a little way.

“Particularly at critical times in their life - both happy and sad.”

Fr Hayes spent 34 years in Zambia in total, teaching and as a principal.

“It was a privilege to be a part of Zambia working through its independence in 1964 and setting itself up as a modern state.”

Fr Hayes had the pleasure of seeing young students he had taught going on to important positions in the new government and legal system. However, witnessing the ravages of the AIDS epidemic has left a deep impression on him.

The priest decided it was time to return home in 2015 at the age of 70.

“There were many Zambian Jesuits who had taken over most of the works we had set out to do. I felt it was time to pass the torch and allow them to contribute to the church in their way.”

Bishop of Limerick Brendan Leahy was in touch and asked Fr Hayes if he would be parish priest of Southill.

“The people of Southill were a joy to get to know and to work with. I resigned last year. The new parish priest is Fr John Walsh.”

Fr Hayes celebrated his golden jubilee with parishioners, Limerick Branch of the Knights of St Columbanus of which he is chaplain, Fr Walsh, Fr Jim Maher SJ, Fr Pat Hogan, Moyross, Good Shepherd Sisters and Mercy Sisters resident in the parish after a special Mass.

Fr Hayes thanked all who organised and attended his celebration in Southill where he continues to minister.

“I'll still continue there as long as I'm useful.”

Fr Hayes continues to do not “a little good” but a lot of good with his life as he enters his 80s.

For more pictures, click 'Next'