Fr Amos is leaving Kerry and will ‘miss going to Croke Park' the most
It's the little acts of kindness that Fr Amos experienced from parishioners, many miles from his native Kitale in Kenya, that will make certain of Tralee holding a place in his heart long after he crosses the county bounds.
Appointed to St Brendan's parish in August 2020, Fr Amos insists Tralee folk made him feel like 'one of their own' – which is the most definitive way Tralee people can give credibility to one's character.
Fr Amos was only in Kerry seven months when the COVID pandemic struck. This delayed his interaction with parishioners for over a year. At one point he knew the names, voices and personalities of his parishioners, but not their faces. This was due to compulsory mask wearing.
'It was a difficult start during that time. By then, I was working at St John's after which I moved to St Brendan's Parish. I've had a really good time here,' Fr Amos said.
'I will remember the good people of Tralee, especially at St Brendan's. Fr Padraig (Walsh) has been very supportive to me. I feel very comfortable at St Brendan's and I won't forget the staff at the parish. The entire community of St Brendan's Parish have made me feel welcome and one of their own. I feel a big loss leaving them,' he added.
Fr Amos understands his vocation requires him to find pastures new and a new flock. Sad as this is, he is viewing it as a new chapter in his life.
'All credit goes to the people of Tralee for the support they have given me,' he said.
'I must say, it has been a big change in my life. I've adapted to the weather, although at times I still struggle. The language was a struggle a little bit at the start. I'm not perfect now but at least I've experienced a big improvement. When it comes to food, I eat most of the food now. Generally, I feel like I'm more at home,' he added.
It didn't take Fr Amos long to discover the place reserved for football in Kerry life. A keen follower of the green and gold and Austin Stacks GAA Club, he was a regular at games in Tralee and enjoyed journeying to Croke Park.
'One of the things I was telling Fr Padraig that I will really miss is going to Croke Park to see Kerry. I don't mean that I'll not be gong to Croke Park now. But being in Castletownbere might be a little bit challenging compared to when I am in Tralee. For sure, that is one thing I will really miss,' he said.
'But I will be attending football games within the county (Cork). If I find the opportunity, I will go to Croke Park. Some people have advised me that I need to have a red jersey now,' he laughs.
Lastly, Fr Amos explained that when he first heard the news he was leaving Tralee it brought both sadness and joy.
'Sad because I'm leaving a place where I have settled; a place where I've created friends; a place that was kind of my comfort zone,' he said.
'But also a happy feeling because this is the nature of the ministry. It's also an opportunity to work in a different part of the dioceses and meet different people. It's an opportunity for me to learn and to grow. I will always remember Tralee and I will always come back,' Fr Amos said.
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