Father Wilfrid became a Carmelite friar in 1958 and was ordained a priest in 1964. He became Prior Provincial of the British Province of Carmelites in March 2008. He is based at Our Lady of Mount Carmel, Faversham, Kent.

 

Q. When were the seeds of your vocation sown?

A. I grew up in a lively parish in North Manchester, where the priests were very friendly and ran a number of activities for young people. Besides the youth club, we played cricket, went to concerts, hiked in the Peak District, and there was also a junior S.V.P. I was thinking of priesthood in my early teens. The example of my uncle, who was a Carmelite friar and a very warm man, and visiting Aylesford Priory, drew me to the Carmelites. I saw community as important. I have found the Carmelites a generous open group with a strong tradition of prayer and a commitment to being alongside people in their needs.

Q. What has been the most rewarding aspect of being a religious?

A. Over the years I have found youth ministry - whether running a pastoral centre or in university chaplaincy - a positive challenge. I have also become deeply involved in the media and in work for Church unity. I enjoy radio and I valued the chance to spend six months on sabbatical working in BBC Religion. Another aspect of my ministry has been involvement in the international work of the order, especially relating to justice and peace.

Q. What have you found difficult?

A. I suppose I find some of the polarization that goes on in the Church quite difficult when people are intransigent and become legalistic. I find the present situation of not being able to share the Eucharist with other Christians painful.

Q. So what does a provincial do?

A. The main thrust of my work as Provincial of the British province is to care for my brothers. In any position of responsibility it's important to listen and also to challenge. Collaboration is of the essence and it's important to work with all the members of the Carmelite family, the sisters and our lay Carmelites. I would also want to encourage Carmelites to share the heritage of our spirituality and be open to the signs of the time. So to be provincial the most important skill is to cultivate a sense of humour and perspective.

Q. Any tips on prayer?

A. Prayer is best expressed as talking to our friend Jesus Christ. So keep it simple just be with Jesus and let the spirit shape your life.

Q. What’s your favourite movie?

A. My favorite film is The Quiet American with Michael Caine. It’s a good adaptation of Graham Greene's novel.

Q. If you were hosting a dinner party, which person from history would you invite?

A. Oscar Romero - a man of courage and prayer.