Fr. Ronan Newbold
Associate Pastor, Immaculate Conception Parish
Chicago, Illinois
It was a parish priest at Immaculate Heart of Mary Church in Indianapolis who first helped Ronan Newbold hear the call to priesthood. He credits his uncle, Fr. Thomas More Newbold, C.P., as being an outstanding priest and teacher who exemplified the Passionist way of life. Fr. Thomas, along with Fr. Raymond McDonough and Fr. Simon Herbers, vowed Passionists, together drew Fr. Ronan to the Passionist community. And so, upon beginning high school, Fr. Ronan joined the Passionist family at the Passionist Preparatory Seminary in Warrenton, Missouri.
After 30 years of mission work in Japan working in Passionist retreat houses and parishes, Fr. Ronan presently serves as the associate pastor at Immaculate Conception parish in Chicago. Fr. Ronan is also heavily involved in Justice, Peace and the Integrity of Creation-a Passionist ministry dedicated to the poor and the care of the earth. This work includes serving those in the community who are so often forgotten by society. The service in dedication to the environment is a great labor of love for Fr. Ronan who knows that humankind has in many ways abused the gift of the earth.
For Fr. Ronan, the Passionist way of life-namely, praying about the life of Jesus of Nazareth and living the vows of poverty, chastity, obedience and preaching the Passion-molds and forms one’s whole worldview. A lifetime spent contemplating these mysteries helps to bring clarity and peace of mind about one’s responsibilities and place in the world. He is privileged to share his spiritual journey with all those he serves.
