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Fr. Peter Britt SJ: A quiet and a poor pastor

Jul 21, 2015 Letters

DEAR EDITOR,
It is inspiring to read about philanthropists who tirelessly work for the others believing in Jesus’ words, “Love your God and love your neighbour as your love yourself.”
One such person is Rev. Fr. Peter Britt Compton, a Jesuit priest who spent half of his life for the people of Guyana. He came to Guyana in the early 1950s from England as a Catholic Priest. He passed away Sunday at the age of 96. He lived a long life, but he lived that long life with one purpose in mind: that God has anointed him to bring good news to the people of Guyana.
I had the privilege to work with him in Aishalton, Rupununi for a year. I would consider him as a good and authentic pastor, a pastor who made himself available to the people of Guyana. He spent most of his time in Rupununi, about 25 years. He is much loved by Amerindians.
As Fr. Malcolm Rodrigues SJ expressed, “he is the real pastor for the Amerindians.” His dedication for the Catholic Church has been commendable. He cared for everyone, irrespective of their religious faith. Most Amerindians in the Rupununi will have fond memories to recall. He has left a legacy among them.
One of his remarkable contributions is that he touched many people who were in need, especially the poor. He lived a poor and a happy life, this way he showed to the people that being poor is not being unhappy. He welcomed the poor people to his house and made them happy by sharing his joy with them. Many people in the Rupununi would agree with me on this. I have great regard and trust in the pastors who work for the poor because they live among the people – as Pope Francis says, “Shepherds living with the smell of the sheep.” It is important to be with poor people rather than just show up once a year and allure the poor with goodies.
Despite his old age and illness he was able to meet people on a daily basis and listen to them. Many who came to him were inspired to hear his wisdom and consolation. I used to sit with him just to listen to his beautiful English phrases and idioms. He was nearly a walking dictionary. His typewriter was always close to him. He insisted that he would type the letters, even at the age of 87, because he believed in precision and clarity. He was the inspiration to our young to believe in precision and clarity in their deliberations.
Rev. Jerry Melwin Dias SJ
Diocese of Georgetown

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