FATHER Joe McVeigh has seen plenty of changes in his 50 years as a priest, with the long-serving priest able to look back on changes in the Church, as well as the social and historic developments which have taken place in Northern Ireland since his 1971 ordination. On Sunday, April 18, Fr. McVeigh marked five decades of priesthood, reflecting on the many changes he has seen down the years. He remembers those who inspired him to begin his journey in faith, and those who continue to do so. “I think it was Pope John 23rd who got me thinking about the priesthood in the first place, and it’s Pope Francis who has renewed my whole commitment to the priesthood.