Father Richard Leary, C.P., after serving for 16 years in Atlanta, has volunteered to work in the Passionist mission field of Jamaica, West Indies.

Father Leary came to Atlanta in 1961, as the first principal of Drexel Catholic High School. Since then he has served as assistant pastor and pastor of St. Paul of the Cross Church. During the past five years he has been connected with the “Freedom Center” in Mechanicsville, doing poverty outreach work in the inner-city areas and ghetto housing projects of Atlanta.

Jamaica is a large “third world” island of the Caribbean, rich in natural beauty, but very poor economically, suffering from a 50% unemployment rate.

A farewell party was given to Father Leary by the parishioners of St. Paul of the Cross. A large crowd attended and gifts for the poor were presented by the various parish organizations.

Father Leary will leave for his new assignment on July 10. His address will be: Mt. Calvary Retreat, Mandeville, P.O. Box 117, Jamaica, West Indies.