Parish priest becomes Army chaplain

Waimarino Bulletin, Volume 4, Issue 28, 9 December 1986, Page 5

Parish priest becomes Army chaplain

Father Neal Wilson, a well known and liked personality in the Waimarino is relinquishing his job as Parish Priest and Maori missioner in Ohakune to newcomer Father Phillip McCormack and is headed for Waiouru Military Camp. Father Wilson is the first marist priest to hold the position of full-time regular force army chaplain in Waiouru since the Korean War. He was approached for the position by members of the Society of Mary, of which he is a member. "The Catholic Bishops and Superiors of the Society of Mary recognised the special needs of Waiouru and thought it would be a good idea for a marist priest to become involved with the workings of the military while there was no regular force chapter in Waiouru," said Father Wilson. Some 2000 recruits pass through the army camp each year and problems arise be-

cause of the large number of young married couples with young families living in a comparatively isolated situation. Father Wilson is already familiar with a large number of Waiouru parishoners. "Father Bernie Vella and I are already caring for the spiritual needs of the people of Waiouru," he said. While he is in Waiouru he will be residing in a small flat in the camp which is conveniently close to the Chapel. Father Wilson's official army title is at present 'Chaplain Class 4 Wilson'. Father Wilson said he is saddened about leaving Ohakune and it's residents. He has lived here for the last five years. "1 have thoroughly enjoyed working with the people of Ohakune and Raetihi, but 1 now look forward to working full-time with some of the younger generation," he said. "1 hope to maintain a bond with the people from the Maungarongo Marae with whom I have enjoyed working and co-ordinating."