Still on ‘cloud nine’

Fr Gregg Durham O Carm reflects on his journey to the priesthood

On Saturday, May 24, the Archdiocese of Port of Spain witnessed the ordination of its newest local priest, Carmelite Fr Gregg Durham. In a warm and reflective interview with ALTOS, Fr Durham shared the depth of emotion, the weight of memory, and the spirit of calling that shaped his path to the priesthood—a journey marked by perseverance, prayer, and profound grace.

“I don’t think so,” he laughed when asked if the oil of ordination had worn off his hands yet. “It kind of jolted me just now when you said Fr Gregg Durham. I think it’s still shocking me a bit.” That disbelief lingered even as he returned to his community house in Harrison, New Jersey, where his brothers greeted him with the words, “Welcome back, Father.”

For Fr Durham, the ordination day was filled with peace. He recalled starting the morning in prayer and fellowship with Archbishop Emeritus Robert Rivas OP and fellow ordinand Deacon Ryan-Joseph Resurreccion. “We had breakfast together, and we were able to chat and do our morning prayer together. That really just put me into a good space prayerfully and emotionally,” he said. Archbishop Rivas’ parting words— “You just seem so calm and at peace”—affirmed what Fr Durham already felt deep inside: “I just felt this is where I wanted to be. This is where I had to be. I was at peace.”

Among the many moving moments of the ordination liturgy, one stood out above all: the Litany of the Saints. “It was truly moving, just being prostrate. Every time each saint was called, it just felt like each one was accompanying me in prayer. It was just a remarkable feeling.” He smiled, adding, “I think I’m still on a little bit of cloud nine with that.”

Yet the road to that mountaintop moment was not without valleys. Fr Durham acknowledged the many ups and downs of his formation journey, including a particularly painful loss.

“After I completed my novitiate, I lost my dad during Covid. It was quite abrupt, and it was difficult because I couldn’t come home to Trinidad for the funeral.” Though he couldn’t be present physically, Fr Durham felt his father’s presence on ordination day: “I felt like he was very much present, praying with me and alongside me.”

The strength to persevere, he said, came from prayer and community. “My mom in particular, and my communities, they have accompanied me and supported me throughout these years.”

Living in community, Fr Durham embraced the camaraderie, wisdom, and even the humour of his fellow Carmelites. “They’ve been supporting me and joking with me and offering as much advice throughout these last few years.” Every bit of guidance was received “with humility,” he said, as part of his personal and spiritual growth.

When asked why he chose the Carmelites, Fr Durham described a quiet calling: “It started for me with just an intrigue, just an interest. I have quite a devotion to Our Lady, and silence and contemplation—those were just the starting moments for me.”

Over eight years of formation, these elements deepened into a lived charism. “By nature, I enjoy silence, and I experience the presence of God in silence,” he said. “Then you have the added blessing of turning to Mary as our mother and our sister and knowing that she’s continually interceding for us. That just made it perfect for me.”

To young men discerning the priesthood or Religious life, Fr Durham offered sincere and practical advice: “Be open to what God is asking of you. Don’t run away. Don’t think this is not for you. I tried it—and God found me.”

Reflecting on his own ten-year discernment before applying to the Carmelites, he said, “It’s a testament that God gives you some space, but he never lets you go.” He encouraged discerners to “find a good spiritual director… even if you can’t discover it yourself.”

As the interview ended, Fr Durham expressed his gratitude and hope to return to Trinidad soon. For now, he remains in joyful awe of his new identity and vocation. “Thank you,” he said simply, his words still carrying the awe of a man whose calling has only just begun.

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