They Shall Bear You Up
Memories of a Catholic Priest
by
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As the tourist ministry grew and numbers began to multiply, it became evident that we did not have the perfect solution in serving our people in hotel ballrooms. There were indeed those who believed we should leave well enough alone. These people were not around for our weekend Masses and were not aware of the problems we were beginning to confront.
Orlando was growing. Hotel rooms were beginning to multiply. More and more people were coming to enjoy the theme parks. Hotels were hosting conventions, some of which frequently not only filled the hotel but also occupied every space within the hotel. Frequently the word would come late in the week that “there was no room in the inn” for our Mass. The hotel would try to make arrangements with another hotel to host the occasion. When they succeeded, it meant we had to post messengers at the appointed hotel to redirect the faithful to the new location. This would result in Masses starting late, in people losing their way, and even in frayed tempers! And when the hotel could find no room elsewhere, we would arrange to hold Mass in the hotel foyer or by the swimming pool or—if it was morning Mass—in the stuffy bar filled with the cigarette odor of the previous night.
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About the Book
For Monsignor Fachtna Joseph Harte, walking with Christ every day of the year was a privilege that was unrivalled. In this memoir, he narrates his journey to priesthood—from answering the call, to walking the roads with the Lord, proclaiming His kingdom, listening to Him in one’s heart, and going among His people with compassion and love.
They Shall Bear You Up begins in the country parish of Kilfian, near Killala Co Mayo in the Diocese of Killala, where Harte knew from an early age he desired to serve the church. He discusses his family background, his upbringing, and his experiences of the Irish strife against the British. The story follows his schooling and his subsequent move to the United States, where he was called to begin a ministry of tourism in Orlando, Florida, holding the first service in a hotel ballroom in 1975. He served in Orlando until his retirement October 31, 2007
.A testimony of faith, They Shall Bear You Up emphasizes that as human beings we are never alone and that for those who wish to carry out God’s will in their lives, “nothing is impossible with God.” Through many and varied stories, Harte shows that the priesthood is not for weaklings, but for men of strong faith who live close to the angels.
About the Author
Fachtna Joseph Harte was ordained to the priesthood in1961 and later earned two master’s degrees. Harte began his ministry in the Diocese of Yakima, Washington, and transferred to the Diocese of Orlando in Florida where he served for almost thirty-eight years. Now retired, he alternates between Orlando and his native place.