When Fr Johnny Woods announced that Fr Stephen Doyle would be celebrating his 40 th anniversary as a priest, he hailed him as the friendliest priest who ever passed through the parish.

This was the feedback he had received from parishioners over the years, Fr Woods told the congregation at Sunday Mass, recently. While there were no bursts of excitement, many, such as Carmen De La Rosa, nodded approvingly at the statement.

Indeed, some 20-odd years after his departure from the parish, Fr Doyle has left an indelible mark on Manzanilla. What were the factors that contributed to his being held in such high esteem, one which continues to be unprecedented?

Was it that gentle smile that often prodded parishioners to voluntary service within the Church? Was it his proficiency at dispute resolution and ability to always see the good in everyone? Or, was it the patience and understanding he actually exhibited in times of crisis? Many would argue that it was a combination of all of these.

Born in 1937 in a town in Southern Ireland , young Stephen Doyle gave up an opportunity to work in the family business to enter the priesthood. After completing six years of study, he was ordained a Dominican priest in 1964. Soon thereafter, he was commissioned to serve in Trinidad and Tobago .

His first assignment was at Manzanilla where he was stationed for some four and a half years. With dashing looks, a mild-mannered demeanour and an outgoing personality, Fr Doyle (in photo) set out to fulfil the task to which he was assigned. With the assistance of the equally youthful and vibrant Sr Columba Byrne, he sought to cement the religious foundation in the parish's outstations during his stewardship.

Irma Connelly, who taught First Communion in North Manzanilla during Fr Doyle's tenure, recalled that he had created several historical firsts in the parish, having played a key role in the construction of the Biche RC School as well as this Church in which we are all assembled.

In many respects, Fr Doyle shattered the stereotypes that had long been held about Irish-born Dominican priests in rural West Indian communities. Certainly, he did not fit into the orthodox mould commonly associated with priests. People-oriented, Fr Doyle managed to woo many young people into the Church as acolytes and lay ministers.

Even those who seldom entered the doors of the church were the beneficiaries of his wisdom. Forging community ties was key to his function, he insisted, and often made attempts to know people on a first name basis – a trait which spilled over to the other parishes where he served.

Many women in the district recall that it was Fr Doyle who was instrumental in their receiving a high school education at St Catherine's High School in Boystown, Sangre Grande.

Fr Doyle loved to sing. Raindrops Keep Falling on My Head , I Can See Clearly Now and And the Lord Said were some of his favourites he often belted out or hummed during community get-togethers.

Fr Doyle always made a point of keeping in touch with members while on vacation. On several occasions a small core of parishioners would also visit him at his various stations in an attempt to keep the relationship alive.

After his stint in Manzanilla, Fr Doyle was re-assigned to St Finbar's parish in Diego Martin, where he spent three years. He also enjoyed brief stints in Petit Valley and Rio Claro before moving to Penal, where he spent nine years. He is now the parish priest of Siparia.

Father, as you celebrate your 40 th anniversary as a priest, we pray that God will continue to guide and bless you. May the passion that prompted you to join the religious life continue to burn as you forge on in your vocation.