Msgr Hunt retires after almost 60 years’ service
Monsignor Hunt and family at the celebration of his retirement in Byrnes of Crablane. L to R: Peter Hunt, Julian Cadar, Michael Hunt, Stephen Cantwell, Leah Hunt, Monsignor Luke Hunt, Peter Hunt, Maureen Hunt
FROM Crablane near Tullow to Gulf Breeze, Florida, Monsignor Luke Hunt has retired after almost 60 years in the priesthood.
He returned home to Crablane in July to celebrate his retirement with his family, where they held a party in Byrne’s pub. He was joined by his brother Peter, family members and friends to mark the milestone occasion.
Msgr Hunt was ordained in Carlow cathedral in June 1967 and left for America soon afterwards, where he spent his entire 58-year career.
For over four decades, he served the parish of St Ann’s in Gulf Breeze, Florida.
Journalist Hunter Ernde wrote a tribute to the much-loved priest in the Floridian newspaper
"He is beloved by several generations of parishioners who have benefited from his wise leadership, attentive presence and desire to bring people into relationship with Christ. His accomplishments as pastor are well-known, but behind many decades of work is the heart of a man given over to God’s will," wrote Hunter.
Msgr Hunt told the magazine that he never dreamt that he would spend almost 60 years in his adopted town.
"I never knew I’d be here this long, you know. It was growing and it was always exciting and I became very involved in the community. I took what Pope Francis said, that the parish serves the whole community, not just the Catholics, so I got involved in the whole community. It has been a great ride.”
He continued: “People say ‘well, what are you going to do when you retire?’ Well, you know, I'm 83, so I'm not going to take up skateboarding or anything like that. The Lord has provided for me through all of these years and I'm sure he's going to provide for me to do something.
"But my priesthood has been very fulfilling. I've got to do things that most priests never had the opportunity to do. I thank God for that and I thank God for the Gulf Breeze community. And I'll still be here and still continue to serve in any way that I can.”
