A Life Devoted: An Interview with Finbarr Tracey, SVD Priest and Kairos Communications Managing Director

Step into the profound journey of Finbarr Tracey SVD, a beacon of devotion with 48 years of unwavering commitment. From the promising halls of Crawford Technical College to the sacred grounds of Knock, his life weaves a tapestry of inspiration. As the rector of the Maynooth community and the person behind Kairos communications, Fr Finbarr invites us into a realm where promises to God lead to profound purpose. Join us as we unravel the captivating chapters of a priest and visionary in this exclusive interview.

1. Can you briefly introduce yourself, including your name, current role or position, and the location of your parish or ministry? How many years have you been in the priesthood or taken vows, and where were you ordained?

I’m Finbarr Tracey, SVD and my present work includes rectorship of the Maynooth community and managing director of Kairos communications. I was ordained in Knock 48 years ago, 20th September 1975. And I’ve enjoyed the enriching experience of getting to know many of the wider family of SVDs worldwide.

2. Personal Journey: What inspired you to become a priest, and how did you decide to join the SVD? Can you share some highlights or significant moments from your personal journey towards priesthood?

The inspiration to look into joining a religious order came to me during a retreat for apprentice mechanics with the Dominicans in Cork. At the time I was taking studies at the Crawford Technical College and the retreat was organised by the Dominicans in Ennismore, North side of the City.

During one of the talks given by a Dominican, he said something that struck a chord deep down. He said, “be careful what you say to God because he will take you seriously”. That same day I felt I ought to respond in some way so I made a promise that if the same experience returned in 12 months, that is when I was due to complete my studies and examinations, I would do something about it.

Just about 12 months later a clip from a religious advertisement appeared on the notice board of Crawford College. It stated that the Divine Word Missionaries were looking for young men to join in their missionary work. So I wrote to Donamon and joined the SVD within a few weeks of receiving a response.

3. What do you find most fulfilling about your work as a priest?

Perhaps these two can be taken separately. The most fulfilling thing about being a religious or priest is the sense that I am where I belong. Although I joined the SVD without searching around in other orders, and made up my mind in a very short period of time, I’ve always felt I’m where I belong. It is fulfilling to believe that the path I have taken in life is taking me deeper and deeper into the meaning of life and the ultimate truth about creation and knowledge of God. This gives me an enormous sense of freedom. Possessions have never troubled me.

The fulfilling thing about my present work is the satisfaction I receive when people are happy, when the community is happy. Work in Kairos is also very fulfilling. Travelling as I do to different parish communities, meeting different people and working with them on a live broadcast is very satisfying. Meeting people with different gifts and talent, singers, musicians, people with strong beliefs and people who have made selfless commitments in their lives is very inspiring.

4. Can you share some of the challenges you face in your ministry and how you address them?

There are obviously different kinds of challenges in our communities and in our external work ministries. With Kairos it is always challenging to be working closely with people who are not used to being on camera. The way to cope with challenges is to prepare well. Pre-production work is key to being able to deliver on time and in the right way. In addition, I think it is very important to respect people at all times, even when they are not pleasing to us or creating problems. A calm disposition is necessary in order to bring the best out of people.

5. Are there any historical figures, saints, or fellow priests who have inspired your own ministry? How have these role models influenced your approach to serving your community?

Through the years there have always been people who have inspired and influenced me in ministry. St Anthony was one of the first. He helped me in my studies. St Theresa of Lisieux, for the depth of her faith and commitment, her patience and the fact that she became patroness of the missions.

I found Tomas Merton and St John of the Cross two very good companions during my time in the Mindanao mission. During those years I also took to reading one of the first books I received when I entered the SVD, The Imitation of Christ. It made a lot of sense in later and more mature years.

In recent times I’ve been influenced by the thinking by Bishop Robert Barron because he has done so much to reach out to people in a post-modern society. We live in what can be very confusing times for many people and Bishop Barron’s ability to be able to address so many of the issues of the day is very encouraging. Bishop Barron can open up my mind and I love his references to various philosophies and classical literature, his understanding of today’s youth and the challenges they face.

Another person to open one’s mind is the English historian Tom Holland. He has written some fascinating books that are, on the one hand exploratory, but on the other hand most helpful in building a picture of history on a wide screen and how Christianity has influenced the world in surprising and profound ways.

6. What are your future goals and aspirations within your priesthood or ministry?

As Jesus said to Peter in John 21:18, “When you are old someone else will bring you where you do not wish to go.” Our commitments in a congregation like the SVD eventually bring us to a place where there is little room left to choose a different path. At my age it is not a question of aspiration, but more one of gratefulness for the energy to continue working for as long as I can.

7. Is there a message or piece of wisdom you’d like to share with your congregation or the wider community? How would you encourage people to engage more deeply with their faith or spirituality?

Later in life it is important that our minds continue to be creative. It is good to keep our minds open and to listen to wise people. We can be selective of course, but it is good to go on learning all our lives, not just reading newspapers but having an interest in discovering more about the world. It is important to imagine the universe and to realise our place in this miracle of creation. Modern science and communications bring fascinating pictures to our homes. For a healthy spirituality one needs an open mind and an open heart.

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As we conclude our conversation with Fr Finbarr Tracey, let his words resonate: “I’m very grateful to have been asked to make this contribution. Although the story of my life has only been barely touched upon in this article, it gladdens the heart to be reminded that each of us has a story to tell and that somebody might be interested.” May his life story inspire us all to appreciate the profound narratives that shape our existence.