Sunday was the last day in our parish of a visiting priest, Father Francis. If anyone doubts the value of a holy life, a celibate life, devoted to God, look at a man like this. He told us it was 58 years to the day since he had left home to become a friar. He is 75.

So many people at 75 live fundamentally selfish lives. Here is a 75-year-old travelling the country giving weekday masses to 5 or 6 people. His sermons were brilliant.

This Sunday he preached to the value of entering by the narrow gate. Fundamentally the message is always the same and nothing new. What pleasure can be got and given just looking after five people. For more than those given by people with great positions.