I’m Father Patrick O’Neil. Father Pat is what the local folks call me. I’ve been around, working inner cities, rural areas, Ireland, England, and some missionary work in China. All when I was training and just ordained. Now, I’m in a medium town and settled in for the last few years.

The rectory is homely, and I’ve got a housekeeper. Moira is from the old country and in her late 50s, I should think. She is married and has been housekeeper here for many years. She keeps the place clean and tidy, cooks for me, and does my shopping, washing, and ironing. She is a great cook and always prepares meals for her days off so all I have to do is warm them up, usually in the microwave. Bit of a luxury these days.

I’m 32 years old and have never been kissed! Not true. I’d had girlfriends when I was a teen and at college and had explored and enjoyed them and the experiences. But since being ordained, I had concentrated my thoughts away from such temptations; well, almost. I’ve been dragged off the straight and narrow a few times. Priests seem to attract many women. Maybe it’s that priests should be celibate and so a challenge for some women.

I also keep pretty fit and have always done some boxing. The boxing priest has always been an attraction, although without my dog collar and in shorts, I'm just another bloke. Maybe my muscular frame is a bit of an attraction, too.