I am writing my personal thoughts on the priesthood from my desk that overlooks the home and property where I grew up, in the town of Vineyard Haven on Martha’s Vineyard. The roots of my vocation to the priesthood will be found here, on Tashmoo Avenue, as a member of St. Augustine’s Parish. 

I attended Tisbury High School and graduated in 1956. It was during my Junior year that I informed my parents that I wanted to enter the seminary and study for the priesthood. This decision had been discussed with the priests who had served the parish here on the Island during the course of my years as an altar server. They were all very supportive, but more importantly, their example, availability and the spirit with which they ministered to the people here on the Island, impressed me. 

It was the faith of my parents and their involvement in the parish — along with the various priests who came to serve among us — that nurtured the desire within me to think about being like them. It was during these years that my parents were members of a couples’ club that met in the homes, so we often had priests at our home. Mom always had some sweet bread on hand. 

After graduation, I was informed that I would attend St. Thomas Seminary in Bloomfield, Conn. Not having sufficient knowledge of Latin, I would be there for three years, even though the program was normally two years. In 1959, I moved to St. John’s Seminary in Brighton. Here the focus was on philosophy for two years. When I began the four years of theology, conducted in Latin, Rome gave permission for the classes to be taught in English. So much for my extra year at St. Thomas. 

My seminary days and years are filled with many fond memories of teachers and classmates. I believe that we were blessed with a number of great professors who joined the faculty at a time when new and exciting developments were occurring as the Second Vatican Council was in session. My fondest memories were the developments in Scriptural and moral theology. 

The other focus was on the spirituality of the diocesan priest. Our ministry in the parish would demand not only the knowledge of theology but also the skills for developing a spiritual life that would enable us to serve the people entrusted to our care. 

Another plus during my years of study was the opportunity to have a spiritual director who provided the support and encouragement to set up a plan once we completed our course of study. Shortly after ordination, I had the opportunity to make a directed retreat at one of the area’s retreat centers and I have been able to stay with this program all my years of ministry. 

It was during my years of service in Portuguese parishes that I was brought into contact with the devotions honoring the Holy Spirit, which is a particular custom of the Azorean Islands, the heritage of my father. 

After completing 25 years of ministry, I went on sabbatical for three months. While there, one of the spiritual directors suggested a plan for spiritual growth: an hour a day, a day each month and a week each year of time set aside for personal prayer and reflection. I have found this schedule most rewarding. 

I have been blessed with three brothers and three sisters. They are all married and have given me 27 nieces and nephews. My sacramental ministry to my family over the years has been a wonderful gift. It has now been extended to grand nephews and nieces. My extended family members continue to call upon me for their sacramental needs, providing me with much support, encouragement and joy. 

I was ordained with two other classmates by Bishop Connolly on Feb. 13, 1965. Over the past 43 years, I have served in every deanery of the diocese. I served for eight years as a hospital chaplain, during which I was involved in two diocesan retreat programs: the Cursillo Movement for adult men and women, and the ECHO program for high school students. These provided a community of supportive friends throughout the diocese. 

Another area of involvement over the years has been through the National Federation of Priests Councils. It is a nation-wide organization, now celebrating its 40th anniversary, whose membership comes from diocesan priest councils and works to be of service to priests and presbyteral councils. It functions in conjunction with the American bishops to provide programs, resources and support to member councils. Attending these national meetings has provided me a broad view of the Church across the country, especially of the wonderful work being done by priests in every state. 

All through these years of ministry, I have managed to take time for myself, and I have enjoyed photography, travel, sailing, kayaking, gardening and spending time with my siblings and their families. 

I retired last year and now I live and minister on the Island where I grew up. It is a joy to assist the local pastor and to give back to the community that fostered my vocation and enabled me to hear his call. 

Father Lopes is a retired priest of the diocese living on Martha’s Vineyard.