Fr. Matthew

March 26, 2012 – Fr. Matthew

Throughout the season of Lent we have been privileged to have a priest onboard for every cruise. The priests who serve us are arranged by an organization named the Apostolate of the Sea, and generally share the common characteristic that they are retired. Other than that they are each very unique individuals. We have had retired priests from New York, New Jersey, Boston, and even St. Thomas, USVI. We have been served by priests who had forty years experience at sea and one for whom this was his second cruise ever.  Each of them have a heart for service, though, as while they do get a cruise vacation, they are definitely still working.

Fr. Matthew came to us from serving as a chaplain at a veteran’s hospital in New Jersey. He is still active in his ministry, far short of retirement. Most of the priests can have a hard time negotiating the last flight of steps down to the Training Room where no elevator reaches. This would not pose a problem for Fr. Matthew. Finally, and profoundly for our crew, he hails originally from India. Since the largest part of our active Catholic population onboard ship is from the state of Goa in India, they would now be served by one of their own.

Matthew cruised with us on an itinerary that spanned two Sundays, so he would have two opportunities to preside at mass with the crew. In addition, of course, he led daily mass for the guests and once identified as a priest for our large contingent of Northeast Catholics was a visible presence for our guests onboard. But the first night that I brought him below decks for mass he virtually shone with joy. You could tell that Fr. Matthew was truly delighted to serve the crew in this capacity, even though the service was at 10pm and at the end of a long day. The attendees at mass, normally 20-25 in number grew to 35 that night and you could tell that he was bolstered by their energy. As he went around introducing himself to the crew in attendance you could see him brighten every time someone introduced themselves as being from Goa. The other wonderful characteristic that Matthew had was the ability to go with the flow. Mass below decks on a cruise ship is not accomplished with the same precision as in the great cathedrals. Matthew knew not to get hung up on the small details as he faithfully offered the eternal sacrifice of the mass. He finished the night in high spirits as did the crew.

One week later he was back, again, and the crowd was now over 40. We know had a better mix of nationalities and genders. (We started with almost all men from Goa, but now the Filipinos and those from Central Europe were starting to make mass a priority.) Matthew was even more energized and at the end of the mass began snapping photos of his new flock during the final song. Afterwards, of course, he insisted that he be photographed with all of those in attendance. There were a lot of bright smiles but his was definitely the brightest.

Here is a man who has found his bliss in his ministry. If more ministers would be like Matthew the Church would far better serve the Gospel of Jesus Christ. It was a pleasure to serve with him and I pray our paths cross, again.

And the adventure continues . . .