Fr Brian D’Arcy celebrates 25 years on his radio show, Pause for Thought, on BBC Radio 2 with some of his team members and fellow BBC radio host Chris Evans, far right.
FR BRIAN D’Arcy celebrated 25 years on the airwaves on Monday.
The rector at the Graan in Enniskillen has been hosting his weekly show on BBC Radio 2 since January 1990, and on Monday, on The Chris Evans Show, said a few words before being presented with a cake.
“I feel so lucky to be contributing to Pause for Thought for 25 years,” said Fr Brian, “In January 1990, I began on this slot on Radio 2 when the late Derek Jameson was presenting it.
“My goal has remained the same – to deliver a few words which might give hope and encouragement to busy people as they start a new day and start a new week.”
Reflecting on his first broadcast, the priest said: “On that first broadcast I nervously reminded our listeners that life was worth living and was worth celebrating.
“In all the world, I said, there is only one you – there is only one person with your talents, your gifts, your experiences, and it doesn’t matter what mistakes you’ve made – or what wrong you’ve done, God cannot stop loving you: You’re forgiven.
“So be grateful, accept the chance of a new beginning, and celebrate your life. Then, as now, it was me who needed to be convinced of my own goodness.
And what I do, is pass unto you the advice I need to hear myself.”
He was then presented with balloons and a cake – and received a round of applause.