Father Robert Irwin celebrates 30 years of pastoral service

Mary’s ‘yes’ inspires three decades of vocation

From left, Deacon Bill Bieker, deacon at Holy Apostles Parish in Meridian, Father Goodluck Ajaero, parochial vicar at Holy Apostles, Father Hippolytus Ezenwa, pastor at Sacred Heart Parish in Boise, Father Robert Irwin, chaplain at Saint Alphonsus Hospital in Boise, Father Andrew Colvin, a monk at Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Calif., and Deacon Salvador Carranza, director of the Office of the Permanent Diaconate for the Diocese of Boise, celebrated Father Irwin’s ordination anniversary. (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez)

By Vero Gutiérrez

Assistant Editor

Father Robert Irwin celebrated 30 years of priesthood at Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish in Boise on Dec. 8, 2025, a date that coincides with the feast of the Immaculate Conception of the Blessed Virgin Mary.

A central part of his homily was dedicated to reflecting on the virtue of purity and the transforming power of the Word of God.

For the past six years, Father Irwin has served as chaplain at Saint Alphonsus Hospital, where he provides the sacraments to Catholic patients coming not only from various cities in Idaho, but also from other states who travel there seeking medical care.

In addition to this ministry, he supports priests in their parishes when requested and coordinates more than 30 extraordinary ministers of Holy Communion who volunteer alongside him at the hospital.

 Father Irwin shared that the principal reason he is Catholic and a priest is the Holy Eucharist. (ICR photo/Vero Gutiérrez)

Concelebrating with Father Irwin were Father Hippolytus Ezenwa, pastor of Sacred Heart of Jesus Parish; Father Goodluck Ajaero, parochial vicar of Holy Apostles Parish; and Father Andrew Colvin, an aggregate monk of Holy Transfiguration Monastery in Redwood Valley, California, and a priest of the Diocese of Baker, Oregon.

Also in attendance were Deacons Bill Bieker of Holy Apostles Parish and Deacon Salvador Carranza, director of the Permanent Diaconate Program of the Diocese of Boise.

In his homily, Father Irwin highlighted the celebration of the Immaculate Conception, recalling that Mary was prepared from the moment of her conception to be the pure vessel chosen for the birth of Jesus.

He drew a moving parallel between this feast and his 30 years of ministry, affirming that his vocation is deeply connected to the Marian apparitions at Medjugorje. Learning about those events led him to pray the rosary and reflect more deeply on his calling.

Quoting Sister Linda Buck, CSJ, he shared:

“To truly receive something is not to absorb it without question, but to let it touch you and decide how it shapes you. Mary’s ‘yes’ led to the transformation of hearts through the life of her Son, Jesus.”

During his ordination in 1995, Father Irwin kneels before Bishop Thomas J. Connolly, then Bishop of the Diocese of Baker. (Courtesy photo)

Saying ‘yes’ to God

Father Irwin reflected on the obedience and responsibility of the priestly vocation. Just as Mary responded with humility, every priest offers God a personal “yes,” supported by the “yes” of the community that welcomes him.

He reminded those present that no Roman Catholic priest is ever alone; he must be united to a religious order or a diocese, living always in purity and obedience.

Father Irwin invited prayers for young men discerning their vocation; for those guiding them in formation; and for those who have already answered the call, that they may persevere in holiness, purity and obedience.

He confided that although he loved serving as a parish pastor, he obediently accepted the call to serve in the hospital — an assignment where the sick and their families seek miracles of healing and life transformation. He expressed that this ministry has been a profound personal blessing.

Harold M. Portch, Father Irwin's maternal grandfather, receives Holy Communion at Saint Patrick Parish in Madras, Oregon, in 1995, during his grandson's priestly ordination. (Photo courtesy of Father Irwin)

Mary, tabernacle of the Word

Another central message of his homily was the power of the Word of God. He noted that one of Mary’s titles is “Tabernacle of the Word,” and shared a tradition that, in her youth, Mary devoted herself to reading Scripture.

“She loved reading Sacred Scripture so much that the Word became flesh within her,” he said.

Just as Mary prepared her heart to allow the Word to take root, Father Irwin emphasized that priests, too, are called to be “tabernacles of the Word” — pure vessels that allow God to become present in the world. He reminded the faithful that no Christian vocation is meant to be lived for oneself; the call always exists for evangelization and the building of the Kingdom.

He concluded by inviting the community to renew its commitment to purity and holiness.

“The Immaculate Conception of our Blessed Mother brought forth the greatest gift the world has ever known. What would happen if we began once again to foster purity in our world? Let us be that change, living pure and holy lives. Purity is powerful, and the Word is powerful.”

The Eucharist, source of the call

Before the Liturgy of the Eucharist, Father Irwin shared that the principal reason he is Catholic and a priest is the Holy Eucharist — the source and summit of the faith, and the daily strength to live out his vocation.

Ministerial journey

Father Robert Irwin was incardinated into the Diocese of Boise on May 5, 2016. He was ordained a priest on Dec. 8, 1995, for the Diocese of Baker in Madras, Oregon, by Bishop Thomas Connolly.

Before coming to Boise,

he served as:

• Parochial vicar at St. Mary Parish, Pendleton (1995–1998)

• Rector of St. Francis de Sales Parish, Baker City (1998–2005)

• Pastor of Blessed Sacrament Parish, Oregon (2005–2010)

• Parochial vicar at St. George Parish, Post Falls (2010–2011)

• Parish administrator of Good Shepherd Parish, Soda Springs (2011–2013)

• Pastor in Jerome (2013–2017)

• Pastor of Our Lady of the Valley

Parish, Caldwell (2017–2018)

Since 2019, he has served as chaplain at Saint Alphonsus Hospital, where he continues his ministry today.