That new life can arise out of disaster is a lesson Patrick Farrell learned early.

Just 10 years old when his father died, leaving his mother a 38-year-old widow on a modest Irish farm with nine children, infant to high-schooler, Farrell experienced firsthand the goodness and generosity of neighbors and extended family members.

Later, his mother, Mary, encouraged him to help those same neighbors in their time of need. Growing out of her deep religious faith, that nudging to serve others was a profound influence on him.

“It led me into ministry,” said Farrell, today Monsignor Patrick Farrell and pastor of Vicksburg’s St. Paul Catholic Church who celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination Monday night at his church.