It’s the small acts of kindness that make the most difference. Like the parishioner who bakes an apple tart every Wednesday for Fr Amos Surungai Ruto. A homely gesture many miles from his native Kitale in Kenya.
t’s a minuscule example of the warmth and kindness that has punctuated Fr Amos’s time in Tralee. Ordained to the priesthood in 2018, he – along with Fr Vitalis Barasa – came to minister in the Diocese of Kerry in August 2019.
Appointed to St Brendan’s parish in August 2020, Fr Amos reveals that the people of Tralee have made him feel at home – one of their own.
“St Brendan’s has become my second home now. The people have really taken me as one of their own. They support me whenever I need it. I have felt the warmth of the people,” he says.
Starting out in Tralee was not without obstacles. Just seven months after his arrival a global pandemic slowed his interaction with parishioners as stringent social restrictions were imposed. Only now is Fr Amos beginning to make up for the lost time with parishioners.”
“During the restrictions people were closed off and not open to receiving people. The older age group were afraid. With time, things have really opened up again. People are freer now to welcome you into their homes,” he says.
“I was naturally afraid if I had COVID of giving it to them as they are vulnerable. But things have improved. I have found people are talking positively about how far they have come, the struggle they’ve had, and the difficulties they overcame.
"So many people are showing a lot of appreciation for that. The other side of that is some people lost loved ones. Despite all that, people are happy again,” he added.
Another difficulty arising from the pandemic was the wearing of face masks. This made it hard for Fr Amos to forge a personal connection with his parishioners.
“It was very difficult for me. I had just moved to St Brendans and it wasn’t easy to visit people or interact with them. Recognising people’s faces was difficult because of mask wearing. It’s only now that I’m starting to recognise them. I still struggle to remember people’s faces but it’s now better than COVID times,” he explains.
When Bishop Maurice Crowley in Kenya told Fr Amos that it would be good for some of his priests to experience life in Ireland, it was an opportunity he welcomed.
On his day off Fr Amos enjoys exploring scenic County Kerry and following the fortunes of its footballers. Fr Amos’s knowledge of the game is impressive and he attends Kerry and Austin Stacks games whenever his work schedule permits.
“I enjoy following Kerry. I watched them against Donegal. Kerry’s second half performance needs work. I remember the occasion in July when the cup [Sam Maguire] was brought up Rock Street. To see the enjoyment it gave so many people was an experience,” he says.
"As for visiting around the county, I usually choose a place and I go there on my day off. It’s a nice experience. I’ve been able to visit many places in Ireland, not just Kerry,” he says.
Fr Amos is equally proud of the fact he is helping to ease the vocational crisis in the Kerry Diocese.
“Before I came here, I was told back at home that the numbers of priests in Ireland had gone down a lot. I’m happy to support this where I can,” he says.
“In terms of differences between faith here and at home, here the population is a bit low. Despite that, I’ve seen very many dedicated people, people who treasure their faith despite all the Church in Ireland has gone through. Seeing people really dedicated in their faith, and being proud of it, is special,” Fr Amos says.
Being a long way from home has been difficult Fr Amos. The transition to life in Ireland naturally meant being away from family and friends. But by being open to embracing a different culture, Fr Amos has flipped this challenge to a positive.
“In my first year I really missed home and my family. What kept me going has been WhatsApp and video calls. I think that has helped me to go on,” he explains.
"The people and priests here in Tralee have really made me feel at home and given me the support I needed to get used to my new environment. Having the attitude of discovering and experiencing a new way of life here also keeps me going,” said Fr Amos.
He continues: “It would be good for me to one day go and share my experiences with the people back home. There are so many things I’ve learned about how things are done here. It would be good to take this back home. In fact, it is one of the reasons my Bishop sent me here,” he said.
As a young priest, Fr Amos is the future of the Catholic Church in Ireland. Even though he is open to and accepts change as a natural development in the Church’s evolution, he prefers change to be part of a natural cycle as opposed to being reactionary.
“What I can say is, depending on the situation, it can force things to be changed. Over time I believe the clergy and Bishop, if they see something needs to be changed, I know they will have discussions and see if it will be a positive thing for the diocese,” he says.
"I don’t necessarily want that change in the Church to conform with what society is. But if it is positive, and if it doesn’t contrive with what the Church teaches, then for me it is okay,” he explains.
The recent anti-immigration protests in Kerry and in parts of Ireland is a worrying scenario according to Fr Amos, one in need of urgent attention.
“I come from a country that has experienced conflict and animosity at times,” he says.
“Many times, this happens over a scarcity of resources or if people feel threatened in anyway; or if people feel what belongs to them is being given to other people and they can’t have the same privilege. That will raise the tension.
"It can happen to any country. I’m praying that the Government finds a better solution to help, especially those who are running away from a war-torn environment,” he says.
Fr Amos continues: “Once you step in the shoes of the people who are running away, you can better understand their situation. But it’s a normal thing that can happen any country. If the Government does not get an outcome quickly, it can reach a time of no return. It then becomes difficult to control.
"Even trying to help people in their own country is another way of helping this problem - to remedy the causes that force people to flee their home,” he explained.
Lastly, Fr Amos is keen to extend his gratitude to the people of Tralee for their kindness which has helped accelerate his transition to life here.
“I want to thank all the people of Tralee for being so kind. Fr Padraig [Walsh] has been like a father figure to me, very patient and supportive in many ways,” Fr Amos explains.
“I also want to thank the person who prepares an apple tart for me almost every Wednesday. I don’t take that for granted. I appreciate it and thank her for her sacrifice. That is just one of the many warm ways I have been supported in my time here. It’s the little touches of kindness.”
