Meet Canon Colin Travers

Canon Colin at one of our wine tasting events

Canon Colin Travers, Associate Chaplain, introduces himself I settled here in Portugal in April 2023, some years after the death of my late wife, Joy, to begin a new chapter in my life.

I enjoy so much about this lovely country and its relaxed way of life – especially living near to the sea, the long warm sunny summers, and the occasional glass of Vinho do Porto! I received a warm welcome at St James and was immediately encouraged to seek PTO – “permission to officiate” – so that I could help with the occasional service! Two years on I happily find myself assisting Fr Colin on a regular basis. Indeed, I’m greatly enjoying being part of St James family.

I grew up by the Thames Estuary in England and, after reading Theology at Oxford and attending theological college at Cambridge, was ordained in 1972. I then served as a Parish Priest in Essex and East London for 37 years. As a good preparation for this I worked as a postman, bus conductor, and in an ice-cream factory.

Alongside parish ministry I helped in the training and support of fellow priests. For the past 30 years I have also enjoyed the ministry of spiritual direction, sitting with fellow pilgrims as they try to make sense of their Christian journey. We each need to discover how God is speaking to us and working in our day to day lives. Also to unpack the gifts God bestows on us. This requires patient and attentive listening on the part of a soul companion who can help us on the inner journey.

Coming originally from a moderately conservative background theologically, as I grow older I continue to become much more liberal in my approach. Our God is to be richly discovered far beyond the confines of church and creed. If we’re not careful we can limit our vision of our God who is beyond our full comprehension. Not least I believe God speaks powerfully to us at the most testing times of our lives. For me this was during a burnout/ breakdown in my forties and then caring for my chronically ill wife for five years. In these harsh times I discovered a God who is always to be trusted and sustains us in our vulnerability.

Away from the pulpit I enjoy an eclectic mix of music from Bach to Sting, walking by the coast, poetry and visual art, watching rugby, tennis, and cricket, and since being here following the fortunes of the Portuguese football team!

In many ways I’m surprised by my new phase of life in Portugal but then our God is full of surprises and blessings!

So, if I were to give advice to my younger self it would be …always look out for the gift God wishes to lovingly give you this day.

-- Colin Travers