Fr Kieran Anderson SDB put our (relatively!) new Provincial in the Q&A hot seat for the latest issue of Don Bosco Today, the UK edition of the Salesian Bulletin. Photo (ANS): Fr Gerry with the Rector Major, Fr Ángel Fernandez Artime

Q: Can you tell us something about your background: where you grew up, your family, your interests?

A: I grew up in central Scotland, the second eldest of eight children. I am lucky enough to have three brothers and four sisters as well as fourteen nephews and nieces and one grandniece! Family was and is very important to me. I am blessed still to have my parents and enjoyed the security when I was growing up of having grandparents and uncles and aunts around me.

Q:How did you come to know about Don Bosco and the Salesians?

A: I remember one of my teachers reading a story about a saint who did lots of things, including acrobatics and magic, to help other young people. I remembered the story but not his name. When I was about ten years old, I served at the ordination of Fr Jim McGarry, which was in my home parish. I met lots of Salesians, including Hugh and Francis Preston who were only newly-ordained, but I did not really know who the Salesians were. I do remember getting what seemed like a princely payment for serving at the ordination from Fr Jim's dear mum! About two years later, a friend of my mother asked if any of her sons would like to go on a 'come and see' week at a place called Shrigley where her own sons were at school. My elder brother refused the opportunity. When I heard it involved a week off school, I gladly agreed!

Read the whole interview in Don Bosco Today, pp 14-15