b'bor.I spent several summers with my cousins in Co. Kerry.Wegland, which was a big thing for a kid to do but it is a hop skip went to church in a pony and trap.It carried six persons.Weand jump.The fact that Ray was already in the USA made it a had a wonderful time greeting the people on the way to Mass.bit easier.My Father was deceased when I was ordained.The I remember going with my father to several religious convents.most difficult part was boarding the ship not knowing what to He would share with them the possibility of converting to anexpect on the other side.It was blind faith.I sailed to New York electrical power source. and I flew into Savannah in early September 1959.I was wear-My father died at the age of 59 and you dont realize whening a big heavy coat and the heat pressed me into the ground, youre a young adult what thatI remember thinking, Good God meanstoyourmother.MyBoland what have you got your-mother was left with Four boys.self into.I was in the seminary with twoSome history from the resume:yearstogowhenmyfatherAssistant Pastor, St. Mary died.I was 22, Frank was 20on the Hill, Augusta (1959-61)and Tony 17.My parents wereAssistant Pastor, Cathedral marvelous.My mother was aof St. John the Baptist, Savan-widowfor35years.Shere- nah (1961-62)tained her home until she died.Teacher at St. John Vian-She insisted in having a homeney Minor Seminary. I was living forthevisitsofheroverseesat Camp Villa Marie. A boarding possessions (Ray & Kevin). highschoolthatwasrecently My brothers Frank and Tony: built for approximately 50 young Frank and Judy had four chil- On June 16, 2019 Bishop Boland celebrated the 60th Anniversary of his ordi- men. One of the Students was dren.Judydiedyoungfromnation and the Knights turned out in Regalia (for the last time) to honor him. ClarenceThomas,Itaughthim cancer and he was heartbroken.Geometry,yesthatClarence He remarried Mary P. (Purcell was her maiden name) and sheThomas Supreme Court Justice Thomas.I remind him, You was Franks second blessing.Tony married Collette and theyare where you are because the square of the hypotenuse is had four children.Ray and I were privileged to baptize and/orequal to the sum of the squares of the other two sides. marry several of our nieces and nephews. Pastor, St. Michael, Tybee Island (1967-68) and chancellor of the Diocese.There was a small school with double classes I: What inspired you and your brother(s) to vocations? staffed by Franciscan Sisters. I lived at a time in Ireland when the concept of studying forRector, Cathedral of St. John the Baptist (1970-72)the priesthood was not uncommon.It was as natural as waterPastor, Blessed Sacrament, Savannah (1972-83)coming out of the faucet.Ray entered studies two years beforePastor, St. Anne, Columbus (1983-95)me, and our parents were very very supportive.All Hallows CollegeDublineducatedpriestsforEnglish-speakingcoun- I. What negative action or trait bothers you most?tries: Australian New Zealand, South Africa, England, Scotland,Lack of trust.I have empathy for persons who find it difficult Wales, the US, and Canada.The President of All Hallows indi- to accept forgiveness which is one of the basic components of cated during an interview that they had not sponsored anyoneGod love for us.for Georgia in 25 years.I looked up Georgia in the library and returned and told the President that I was willing to study forI: What is your most American trait? the Diocese of Savannah/Atlanta. Monsignor Joseph E. MoylanI do love Chik-Fil-A. especially during this pandemic.The sent me a letter stating in 1956, You are now a student for thedrive-thru is a life saver.Diocese of Savannah.One of my classmates also received a letter from Monsignor Joseph E. Moylan stating, You are nowI: Besides your accent what part of Ireland can America not a student for the Diocese of Atlanta.This is how the lotterytake out of you?works. My smileI: What was the more difficult transition becoming a priest orI: Some brothers want to know if you prefer baseball or cricket?coming to America? I had to be educated in the ways of baseball.Took me a long Well, initially coming to the United States was difficult.Thetime understand a strikebecause the player never touched furthest away from Ireland I had been was when I went to En- the ball.The long journey back to Ireland to Raymonds final resting place.Center photo was taken on Raymonds ordination day.51'