But 'retirement' does not figure in her vocabulary ...

 

 

Archbishop Kevin at a buffet lunch in Archbishop's House to mark the departure of Felicity O'Brien warmly thanked her for her loyalty, conscientiousness and support during her time as secretary for over 16 years, firstly to Archbishop Michael for thirteen years and then as his secretary for over three and half years.

 

           

Felicity thanked the guests and recalled the variety of work she had done over the years before coming to Archbishop's House.

 

For five years from 1970, she was secretary to the Chairman and Managing Director of The Universe Catholic newspaper, Christopher Hennessy. This was followed by five years in the editorial department of The Universe as a journalist. The News Editor in his wisdom decided to give her particular oversight of news stories and events in the Southwark Diocese (because she lived there).

 

She reported on Archbishop Cowderoy’s funeral for The Universe, and was duly despatched to interview the newly appointed Archbishop of Southwark, Michael Bowen, and then covered his Installation at St George’s Cathedral on 23rd April 1977. Among the other events that she covered was the Episcopal Ordination of Bishop Howard Tripp and Bishop John Jukes.

 

From The Universe Felicity went to work at the Independent Broadcasting Authority, and spent much of her eight years there as a Senior Assistant in the Publications’ Department.

 

While at the IBA, her parish priest in Herne Bay asked if she would agree to represent the Canterbury Deanery on the Southwark Diocesan Laity Commission. She agreed and was on the Commission for some seven or eight years.

 

In 1988, an opportunity arose to become involved in a writing project for St Paul’s Publications and she had four books published - on Margaret Sinclair, Katharine Drexel, Mary MacKillop, and John Henry Newman.

 

In late autumn 1990, Archbishop Michael asked Felicity if she would think of coming and working as his secretary, as his previous secretary, Sister Mary Rogers, FMDM, was leaving – called to other work by her Congregation. And so Felicity came to Archbishop’s House in January 1991 – and the rest is history. For some years, she was also Editor of the Diocesan newsletter. In her spare time she has also been working on a doctoral thesis on Pope Pius XII.

           

Looking ahead, she plans to have a two or three month sabbatical and then take up writing again. She says the term “retirement” does not figure in her vocabulary!

 

 

Archbishop Kevin presented Felicity with gifts from the staff at Archbishop's House, the Finance Office, the Southwark Metropolitan Tribunal and St George's Cathedral and Felicity cut the celebratory cake.

 

 

The new secretary to Archbishop Kevin is Miss Rachel McKenzie, who stated work on Monday 24^th September.