The evening of August 25, 2025, was both festive and deeply reflective as the Spiritan family and friends gathered to celebrate the retirement of Fr. James Flynn, CSSp. At 79, he now makes his home with the Carfin Spiritans Community, closing a remarkable chapter of formal ministry while still embracing his lifelong vocation with quiet passion.
The retirement Mass, held at St. Patrick’s Parish, Craigneuk, Motherwell at 7 p.m., drew fellow priests, parishioners, and friends-Catholics and non-Catholics alike, who came to honour a man whose missionary journey has spanned continents and touched countless lives.
In his homily, Fr. Flynn reflected on more than six decades of religious profession and 52 years of priestly ministry. His mission took him across two African nations, Angola and Cameroon-and four European countries, carrying with him the Gospel of Christ and the simplicity of a Spiritan heart.
“God is infinitely and permanently with us,” he reminded the congregation. “Even if we turn away and stop following Jesus, he follows us, because he is always in love with us. If I can say I have no permanent home, it means I am at home everywhere… because when we say Jesus, we also say his body, the Church.”
Fr. Flynn’s words revealed the spirit of a true missionary-zealous, ready to serve wherever sent, and deeply rooted in the universality of the Catholic Church. He recalled kissing the ground upon arriving in Cameroon for his mission and spoke movingly of the “last great move” which awaits every believer. And he said,
“Always move to different countries, different experiences, different parishes… and I hope this is my last move, because the final journey is to see God face to face. No one is here forever. I am folding up my tent.”
The congregation was visibly moved by his humility, wisdom, and unwavering call to love one another above all things.
The celebration ended with a warm reception, echoing the gratitude of a community that has been blessed by his presence.
By Fr Oluwafemi Victor Orilua CSSp
Leave a comment