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When we Christians think of missionaries we think of dedicated Christians traveling miles to far-off lands, usually to third world countries to convert people to Christianity and to better their lives. They leave family and friends and immerse themselves in a very different culture; many times becoming martyrs and never returning home.

Let me introduce you to a “modern missionary.” Fr.

Sean Fox was born in Pontoon, near Foxford, in county Mayo, Ireland, in 1928.

After high school he entered the seminary at All Hallows in Dublin to study for the Catholic priesthood and to serve in the Archdiocese of Seattle.

He arrived in Seattle by train from Chicago in September 1953 with five other priests from Ireland.

He served in five parishes in the Archdiocese.

His last parish was St. Pius X in Mountlake Terrace where he served over 30 years.

He was an expert in finances and fundraising.

By the time a new church, parish hall, office and priest’s house were completed, they were paid for.

He proudly embraced the multicultural communities in the Mountlake Terrace area for what continues to be a hallmark of the parish.

In spite of being in America for almost 70 years, Fr. Fox stayed connected to his roots in the “West of Ireland,” visiting there often until he was 90. With the advantage of air travel, this “modern missionary” was able to stay in touch with his family and friends. He could brush up on his Irish accent, which he never lost. He died Dec. 30 and his body will be buried in Ireland.

A soft spoken man, even a hesitant voice, belied his determination and thoroughness to achieve. He made major contributions of time and talent to serve the needs of senior priests.

Fr. Fox possessed a gentle manner with an Irish twinkle in his eye. He was a private man who respected the privacy of others. Daily he prayed the Divine Office, the official prayer of the Catholic Church. He was a priest-gentleman and a wonderful example to be imitated.

There is a funny story – some say it is a myth – about Fr. Fox, which we priests like to tell. He was known to have a lead foot, which caused a few roadside visits with the state patrol. On one occasion in Battle Ground, where he served for fourteen years, he rolled down his car window and asked the officer, “Don’t you know who I am?” The officer replied, “No”! Fr. Fox said, “I’m Fr. Fox.” The officer then said, “I don’t care if you’re Mother Goose you’re still going to get a ticket.” Of course Fr. Fox denied the whole story, but it continues to be told, even as recently as his funeral vigil service.

Leaving his childhood home in Ireland and traveling to a foreign country to spread the Catholic faith for 70 years makes Fr. Fox truly a modern missionary who sacrificed his life to bring Christ to others.

James Dalton is a retired Roman Catholic priest, having served the Catholic Archdiocese of Seattle for 53 years. He calls himself a “Roam’n Catholic Priest,” as he substitutes for priests in the Archdiocese.