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Losing my wife gave me a vocation: Fr Adamski

Pharmaceutical executive Peter Adamski was lost after his wife passed away, but found new meaning in life after joining the priesthood.

Peter Adamski seemed to have it all. At nineteen, he had met Kathy, the love of his life and the woman he would marry. In his twenties, he landed a prestigious job with the pharmaceutical giant Johnson & Johnson, jetting around the world in first class for business meetings. He had a healthy baby boy, John, his wealth soared into the millions, and he owned three houses. He was living the American dream.

Yet, something was amiss. The more he acquired, the more he craved. He recalls a night when Kathy entered his home office to tell him he was neglecting his family. Peter admits he had allowed money to become his God, dedicating his life to its pursuit. Though Kathy’s words prompted him to spend more time with his family, his true priority remained climbing the corporate ladder.

Everything changed dramatically when he and Kathy received the devastating news from a doctor: "Kathy, you have early-onset Alzheimer’s." They stepped outside, overwhelmed with tears, and embraced each other on the street. The future they had envisioned together was abruptly replaced by the prospect of a long, painful farewell.

After Kathy’s passing, Peter felt as though he had lost all sense of meaning—until one night, he felt a profound call from God. At 65, he became a Catholic priest, and in this programme, he shares why he believes his life has never been more fulfilling.

Producer/presenter: Colm Flynn
Executive producer: Rajeev Gupta
Editor: Chloe Walker
Production co-ordinator: Mica Nepomuceno

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27 minutes

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