Born into a very Catholic culture in Ireland, with a father who was devoted to saint Francis, and with early contact with missionaries who inspired awe by their stories of working for God in faraway places, I dreamed of being a missionary from a very young age. Having studied primary and secondary school with the Holy Faith Sisters, I looked for and found a Franciscan and missionary congregation in the FMSJs through my MHM uncle, Jack Slater.

My dream of teaching the faith led to an opportunity to study for a B.ED in secondary teaching specializing in religious studies. I spent two years teaching in Rochdale and this was followed by an appointment to Peru and then to Ecuador.
I was in South America for over 30 years, worked mostly in parishes, and have prepared as a counsellor. This allowed me to do a much needed service to religious life there. Most congregations in Ecuador require candidates to do a psychological process that may last from weeks to years depending on childhood experiences. I also attended some laity.

Currently I am now in the UK serving the Congregation as a member of the Leadership Team and as the Secretary General.

I am grateful for the life I have been able to live, for the opportunities made available by the congregation and for the discovery of the richness of a spirituality based on sound psychology.