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Father Don

August 7, 2017 August 2017 No Comments

Father Don Morrison, ‘retired’ Catholic priest of Featherston and Martinborough had plenty to celebrate on 22 July. He was guest of honour at a community luncheon put on to recognise the Diamond Anniversary of his ordination as a Diocesan Priest.

Father Don was joined by his family, Cardinal John Dew, Mayor Viv Napier and around two hundred people, from all walks of life, to celebrate his remarkable achievement of serving the community for sixty years, the last twenty seven of these based in Featherston. The broad spectrum of people present was testament to the fact that Father Don is a very special man.

The afternoon was peppered with anecdotes about his life in the church, his special way with children, his west highland terriers and his wicked sense of humour. One story that made us all laugh was a description of him introducing himself to a new parishioner. Father Don said “it’s easy to remember my name. It’s the same as the lawnmower,” to which the parishioner replied, “Oh, so you’d be Father Masport then?”
Father Don was tasked with caring for the Catholic community in Featherston and Martinborough; a job he has carried out with dedication and commitment. What sets him apart though is his willingness to help others, to go that extra mile for someone in need, regardless of their faith or lack of it. He truly cares about people with insight far greater than just the church.

This shows in the wee story, in his handwriting, on the tablemat at the luncheon.

A Story about 4 People: – named Everybody, Somebody, Anybody and Nobody.
There is an important job to be done……
Everybody was asked to do it
Everybody was sure Somebody would do it
And Anybody could have done it
But Nobody did.
Somebody got angry about it
Because it was Everybody’s job
But Everybody thought Somebody had done it.
It ended up that Everybody blamed Somebody
When Nobody did what Anybody could have done.

Father Don has never chased or expected accolades but he deserves them.

Adrienne Staples

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