Torn between Two Callings

Priest in Canada and Bishop in Madagascar

I have spent the last three weeks at home in St John’s (Newfoundland, Canada) visiting with family and friends and catching up on all that has transpired at Good Samaritan since my last visit. These have been very busy weeks, but I have been very encouraged with all that I have seen and heard. Father Doherty, the Vicar at Good Samaritan, is doing commendable work, in the difficult position of following after the ‘founding rector’ of the parish, and it is wonderful to see that the congregation continues to grow even in this time of transition.

People at Good Samaritan have been very supportive of me as I serve as both the ‘priest-in-charge’ of Good Samaritan and as the Bishop of Mahajanga in Madagascar. In fact, as a congregation, they have helped to fund my missionary episcopacy more than any other organization. I am indebted to them for their prayers and for their financial support.

I am torn between these two positions, and more so, between the people I love at home and in Mahajanga. How many times in the last few weeks have I said, “I wish I could be at two places at the same time!” I love being a parish priest. I love Good Samaritan Anglican Church! But I also love being a missionary Bishop! I love the people of my Diocese in Madagascar.