It captures the breadth of ministry and demonstrates the privileged access that a priest is given to the lives of people during vital moments of great joy and profound grief. “This film provides a ‘fly-on-the-wall’ view of the day to day life and ministry of a Catholic parish priest. The Bishop of Leeds, the Right Reverend Marcus Stock, Fr Grogan’s bishop, says that the film portrays the highs and lows of parish ministry: When I mentioned that in the film I felt newly overcome by shame because of the confusion and the hurt I caused.” “As a young priest I was in denial on a couple of occasions that my relationships with women had become too close. It was a cruel and cowardly thing to do and her niece properly upbraids me, at some length, in the film. “I was so defensive when a widow criticised me for not having visited her just-deceased husband sufficiently regularly that I wrote a letter to her, trying to justify myself. It has also brought into sharp relief his failings and shortcomings: “Two adults with learning difficulties look forward to receiving the First Sacraments and I get to share with them as best I can what it all means.” Honesty and Shortcomings “An elderly woman is dying – and it is to me that she says the simple lapidary words which are etched in my memory: ‘I am not afraid of dying.’ A young couple mourn the death of their severely disabled child – and I get to spend time with them in their grief.
“Michael’s camera allowed me to gaze upon my own life and work from a perspective outside of myself. The making of the film has made him aware of how lucky he is to be a priest. “I remember my two brothers and I sitting on the sofa when we were young and Sister Magdalene, a Sister of Mercy, standing over us saying, ‘and which one of you three is going to be the priest?’ and I thought it’s probably me, but I’m not going to out myself just yet.” In the film, Fr Paul says that he thought about becoming a priest at an early age: He has also been the Vocations Director for the Diocese of Leeds and since 2015, has been the parish priest of Mary, Mother of God. He has spent time as a university and hospital chaplain and worked in a Young Offenders Institution. The work of ‘The Priest’ is one of love and service, not just in ministering to his parish, but providing invaluable, social support to the local community.įr Grogan, originally from Halifax, worked as a journalist after graduating from the University of Cambridge. He went onto train for the priesthood at the Venerable English College in Rome in the late 80s to mid-90s. The film opens with a funeral features a baptism and shares the intimacy and beauty of a deathbed scene. Love and ServiceĪs a priest, Fr Paul Grogan supports his people through their ups and downs – in their joy and in their pain. It is produced and directed by filmmaker Michael Whyte. Priest is a beautifully shot film chronicling life in the Bradford parish of ‘Mary, Mother of God’ in non-pandemic times from the beginning of Lent to Easter Sunday. CBCEW » Vocation » » Beautiful film shows life of a R.
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