VOCATION NEWS
15 Aug 2024
Fr Geoffrey McIlroy PP – St Macartan’s Mornington (2019 - ??)
Hello
I am what you may call a “late” vocation. After spending 25 years as an Industrial Chemist, in 2011 at the age of 48, I entered the seminary in Melbourne, then in 2012 went to the Pontifical Beda College in Rome, where I completed my formation and was then ordained Priest here in Melbourne in 2016.
Around the age of 36, being very successful in business on an international level, I decided I wanted more out of life – or to be more precise, to find something more satisfying in life. Something I could truly commit my whole self to! I had a girlfriend at the time, and I was content with my role in life but, I hate to admit it, I wanted more. I did feel somewhat selfish, as I had wealth, health, and happiness, but I always felt there was something else for me in life, more than getting married but I couldn’t explain what it was. I had a twenty-year gap in my faith, and I hadn’t spoken to God regularly, so I began trying to get to know him better, by reading the Bible (front cover to back), joining a Bible study classes, joining a church again (albeit a protestant one), joining parish teams, as well as leading a prayer group etc. Also, leading a Christian counselling service, being president of a Christian motorcyclist club, running a Christian mission overseas, and a halfway house for drug and alcohol addicts on my property. But all this only did so much and it was not enough!
Then I returned to my Catholic roots - the Catholic Church and I immediately felt embraced by the Lord through the Eucharistic celebration. This led me deeper into my faith and into more service work. I then felt impelled to seek answers to a nagging call about a vocation to Priesthood. For many years I had said yes to following Christ and as per the above examples followed him into some amazing ministries, but now, I felt him leading me into the seminary – so I just continued to say yes and continued to follow Him, as I still do today.
Why did it take me so long? Well, the Lord only calls you when your heart is right – not your head. So, follow your heart, keep saying yes to the Lord and be willing to follow Him.
Do not be afraid, as the safest place in the world is at the centre of Gods' will.
Facebook for vocations: When Your Heart is Right
https://www.facebook.com/WhenYourHeartIsRight
Also see Shalom World Media Vocation Interview:
https://shalomworld.org/episode/fr-geoffrey-mcilroy
Melbourne Catholic's Article - Fr Geoffrey McIlroy: joining forces in support of Victorian Police
Pray for our future priests
OVERSEAS MISSION - Fr Geoff
CMA (Christian Motorcyclists Association) - Bikes for Pastors 2005
https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fi/lp065dawiqqyu8k61zlup/CMA-trip-to-Phillipinse-slide-show-Rev-2017.ppt?rlkey=8p2722cop9phwvvcoe0zzlefv&st=slhlsvgj&dl=0
Go to booklet for full details