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Deacon Robert Barros-Bailey speaks about retirement
and a lifelong passion for faith-filled travel
Mary and Deacon Bob Barros-Bailey on São Jorge island in the Azores, Portugal. (Courtesy photo/Deacon Barros-Bailey)
By Deacon Scott Pearhill
ICR Editor
The former director of the Office of the Diaconate for the Diocese of Boise has been on a lifelong journey of faith and service that has taken him all over the world. Military service, work with non-profit organizations and Church ministry are some hallmarks of his faith life.
It is not surprising, then, that in retirement, Deacon “Bob,” as he is more commonly known, also leads pilgrimages, even while opening an Airbnb with his wife, Mary, starting to grow coffee, and working towards becoming a certified coffee roaster.
Given his love of faith-filled travel, it should also come as no surprise that he and Mary are doing this in Portugal!
Deacon Bob was born in Washington, D.C., the son of a career Naval officer. He told the Idaho Catholic Register (ICR) he was “born and raised Catholic” to a “very strong traditional Catholic family.” His father’s Navy assignments meant young Robert attended school in France, Virginia, Italy and Puerto Rico.
He followed his father into the military and became a Naval Intelligence officer with four years of active service and 11 years as a reserve officer. He is a Gulf War Veteran. When asked about his Intelligence career, Deacon Bob told the ICR, “That’s all you get!”
After his active military service, he worked with non-profits, including the Boy Scouts of America, where he was an executive. While working for a non-profit in Monterey, Calif, he met his future wife, Mary, who also worked for a non-profit. Mary and Bob will be married 35 years in August.
Deacon Bob and Mary moved to Idaho, and he became Deputy Clerk for the City of Boise. Eventually, the Catholic community hired him to be the director of the Treasure Valley Young Adult ministry, and later, he became the high school and young adult minister for Holy Apostles Parish in Meridian. Bishop Peter F. Christensen asked Deacon Barros-Bailey to be the director of the Office of Diaconate in 2016, Deacon Bob’s final assignment before retiring in 2022.
He said his vocation to the diaconate was inspired by a growing involvement in the Church, and the joy of working as a catechist and volunteer youth minister. This active participation in the Faith made him understand “that the Holy Spirit was calling me to a deeper level of service.”
Deacon Bob was ordained to the diaconate for the Diocese of Boise on October 27, 2012, by the late Bishop Michael Driscoll. He was first assigned to Saint John’s Cathedral in Boise, then to Holy Apostles in Meridian and later to Our Lady of the Snows in Sun Valley.
He described his role as director of the Office of the Diaconate as “Part coach, occasional enforcer, and formation teacher.” He added, “My favorite part was watching men grow into their vocation and the strong role the Holy Spirit plays in that process. My least favorite part was being the enforcer for guys who should know better.”
The ICR jokingly asked him which deacon was most annoying, not expecting a response. Deacon Bob replied, “Most annoying . . . me!”
In retirement, he and Mary live on a little island in the Azores (Portugal) called São Jorge (Saint George), where Mary’s family has had a house for generations. “Life on an island in the middle of the Atlantic is both wonderful and challenging. The island is lush and dramatic with some towns, very familial communities, and a strong Catholic culture,” Deacon Bob said. “We have two houses; the first is Mary’s family home, which has been in the family for over 200 years. We have modernized it and use it as an Airbnb. Our residence is a small one-bedroom cottage 80 feet above the ocean,” said Deacon Barros-Bailey.
Europe's only tea plantation is located on São Jorge island where Deacon Bob and Mary live in their retirement.
(Courtesy photo/Deacon Barros-Bailey)
He added, “We are starting to grow a variety of fruits and veggies as well as coffee.” It is a work in progress. Deacon Bob and Mary lived in Idaho for 30 years and now find themselves on a Portuguese island. The former director of deacons explained, “Idaho is all about mountains and prairies; São Jorge is all about the ocean.” But he was quick to note there are similarities, too. “The culture of self-reliance with a desire for community involvement” that we found in Idaho “carried over to our community here in São Jorge.”
He spoke about the sheer tranquility present on the island. “My decision to retire on São Jorge is deeply intertwined with my desire for physical tranquility and spiritual enrichment. The island’s isolation and its vibrant yet unhurried community life allow me to step away from the busyness of past responsibilities and embrace a slower, more reflective pace. This environment is conducive to personal peace and fostering a deeper connection with my faith.”
He noted that the Catholic culture on the island is very strong, with many public festivals for the Saints and liturgical seasons. In addition to getting their Airbnb up and running and becoming a certified coffee grower and roaster, Deacon Bob also helps at their local parish by doing some administrative work. He is “trying his best to learn Portuguese as quickly as possible.”
And, as you would expect, he and Mary also travel a lot. “We spent a good chunk of January in Sri Lanka and the Maldives. I love the access to Europe.” Having lived in Portugal for a few years, what could be more natural for this pilgrim at heart than to share his joy, enthusiasm and tranquility with his Idaho community and the world? Deacon Bob is offering a pilgrimage retreat in Fatima (See page 15).
He intentionally combines pilgrimage with opportunities to rest and reflect. Deacon Bob explained that too many visits to holy sites are hurried and exhausting. “I have developed a pilgrimage and retreat format that I will begin hosting in the fall of 2025. This program is designed to offer participants an immersive experience that combines travel to spiritually significant sites with reflective retreat sessions.” A pilgrimage retreat to Fatima will be his first, but Deacon Barros-Bailey intends to offer future pilgrimages to other holy sites.
The “pilgrimage retreat” format is simple: morning and early afternoon visits to significant shrines and holy sites, followed by late afternoon and early evening retreat sessions reflecting on the day’s experiences.
These retreats are crafted to allow participants to enjoy the holiness of sacred locations and engage in spiritual exercises that reflect on their personal faith journeys. “Through these pilgrimage retreats, I aim to create spaces where individuals can explore their spirituality more deeply while experiencing the profound impact of being present at these revered sites. It is a continuation of my life’s work, now enriched by the tranquility and inspiration drawn from my new home on São Jorge Island.”
If you would like to join Deacon Barros-Bailey on a pilgrimage retreat to Fatima this Fall, please contact him at rbarrosbailey@gmail.com or call 208.371.8289. Deacon Bob also invites our Idaho parishes to work with their priests and deacons to form groups that travel together. “I will be more than happy to assist you in planning in any way I can. I am excited by the opportunity to facilitate these experiences in such spiritual locations as Fatima and Rome.”
Pilgrimage Retreat Overview
Fatima, Santarém, Lisbon
“A pilgrimage retreat is a ritual journey with a hallowed purpose. Every step along the way has meaning.” –Macrina Wiederkehr, Behold Your Life
The Sanctuary of Fatima, Portugal (By Renato Alves da Costa, CC BY 2.0, commons.wikimedia.org)
All breakfasts, dinners, and overnights are in Fátima
Lunch is on your own
Friday, Day 1: Begin Your Pilgrimage
As you travel to Portugal, prepare your heart and mind for the profound experiences that await. Let the anticipation of this sacred journey fill you with hope and openness.
Saturday, Day 2: Arrival in Fatima - A Spiritual Awakening
After settling into your hotel, gather for a soul-nourishing dinner and an inspiring retreat introduction. As night falls, experience the awe-inspiring Fátima Shrine, where countless pilgrims have found solace and renewal.
Sunday, Day 3: Fatima (Mary’s Apparitions and Message)
Morning–After breakfast, we begin with Mass in the Chapel of the Apparitions. Visit the Basilica where Francisco and Jacinta are buried and follow the young visionaries’ footsteps. Let the natural wonders of the Mira de Aire Caves remind you of God’s magnificent creation.
Afternoon/Evening–Retreat Session 1: “The Fire and the Rose: The Immaculate Heart of Mary.”
Monday, Day 4: Fatima (Healing and Forgiveness)
Morning–After breakfast, visit the Shrine of Our Lady of Fátima for confession, Mass, and the rosary and then tour its museum. As you walk the Via Sacra, let each station deepen your connection to Christ’s sacrifice, arriving at the Hungarian Calvary on the Valinhos hill overlooking Fátima.
Afternoon/Evening–Retreat Session 2: “From Sorrow to Joy.”
After dinner, join pilgrims from all over the world in an evening candlelight procession to pray the Rosary for the sick and drink from the miraculous fountain.
Tuesday, Day 5: Santarém (The Eucharist)
Morning–After breakfast, venture to historic Santarém – one of the oldest cities in the world where faith has flourished for centuries. Walk through its narrow streets to the Sanctuary of the Eucharist Miracle, home to the oldest recorded miracle of the Eucharist that has been on continuous display since 1247.
Afternoon/Evening–Retreat Session 3: “Food for the Journey.”
Wednesday, Day 6: Lisbon (Pilgrimage and Community)
Morning–After breakfast, travel to Lisbon Cathedral and the Church of Saint Anthony of Lisbon. We will visit the Belém Tower, Jerome’s Monastery and the Monumento of Discoveries, which remind us of the far-reaching impact of faith. Enjoy lunch at the Time Out Market.
Afternoon/Evening–Retreat Session 4: “River of Wisdom, The Rosary.”
Thursday, Day 7: Lisbon (Peace and Reconciliation)
Morning–On the way to Lisbon, visit the majestic Christ the King Shrine and Monument, a symbol of divine love overlooking the city. Then, visit Estrela Park, one of the nicest parks in Lisbon. Discover the city’s past at the Lisboa Story Centre and view masterpieces at the National Museum of Ancient Art. A visit to Portugal would be incomplete without visiting the National Tile Museum and taking Tram 28 to St. George’s Castle.
Afternoon/Evening–Retreat Session 5: “Fado” dinner.
Friday, Day 8: Fátima Departure - Carrying the Light Forward
As you prepare to leave Fátima, reflect on the profound experiences and insights gained. Carry the spirit of this pilgrimage in your heart as you return home.
If you would like to join Deacon Bob Barros-Bailey on the pilgrimage retreat to Fátima this Fall, please contact him at rbarrosbailey@gmail.com or call (208) 371-8289.
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