Fr. Martin Chase
My name is Martin Chase. I am originally from Michigan in the United States, but I have lived and worked in Denmark for many years.
I was not born Catholic. I became a Catholic while I was a university student. And during those years I spent a great deal of time thinking about what I wanted to do with my life. After becoming Catholic, I felt increasingly drawn to the priesthood. Since I was working on a PhD at the time, I decided that by the time I finished my studies I would make a final decision about whether I should become a priest.
When I completed my doctorate, I entered the Jesuit order. I was 28 years old. Jesuit formation is long and demanding, and it took another ten years before I was ordained a priest. During that period I studied philosophy, theology, and other subjects in the United States and in Toronto, Canada.
My academic interests led me toward medieval languages and literature. I studied Old English and Old Norse, and these became my special fields of research. Because the older forms of English are closely related to the Nordic languages, I also became interested in Icelandic and other Scandinavian languages. Most of my life as a Jesuit has been spent teaching. Jesuits are often involved in schools and universities, and I taught at universities in the United States for many years.
Study and reasearch in Denmark
Although I was born in Michigan, New York eventually became my home. It is the place where I lived the longest. Later, however, Denmark entered my life in an unexpected way.
As a researcher, I often worked with medieval manuscripts and mediaval books written on skin. Many important manuscripts are preserved in Copenhagen, so I spent a year in Denmark as a student and frequently returned during the summers for research. Through these visits I became acquainted with the Jesuits in Copenhagen.
At that time the Jesuits there were becoming older and needed help. Since I already knew some Danish, they invited me to come to Denmark and teach at their Catholic gymnasium. I accepted and taught there from 1992 until 1999, teaching religion and English.
After those years I returned to the United States and resumed university teaching, but I never lost contact with Denmark. Whenever I had a sabbatical year, I often spent it in Denmark or in Iceland, continuing my research and enjoying life in the Nordic countries.
To the Faroes for the first time
Eventually I was invited to visit the Faroe Islands and assist in the Catholic parish there for a few weeks. I believe my first visit was around 2007. The Faroe Islands were very different then from what they are today, and I immediately fell in love with them. I enjoy walking, and I spent much time hiking in the mountains and exploring the islands.
The Faroese language fascinated me. Since I already knew Icelandic, I could read Faroese fairly easily, but understanding spoken Faroese and speaking it myself was another matter. I began studying the language seriously with Sr. Marie Therese, who became a good friend and helped me learn enough Faroese to celebrate Mass in the language. The parishioners appreciated having a priest who could say Mass in Faroese, and that encouraged me to continue learning.
My interest in Faroese culture also grew. I began reading Faroese literature and learning more about the history and traditions of the islands. Although Faroese and Icelandic are related, they are quite different languages in many ways.
Meanwhile, I continued my academic work. My studies had been connected with the Institute for Medieval Studies in Copenhagen, an institution that had originally been founded by Jesuits many years ago. My work remained focused on medieval English and Norse texts.
A period of change
A few years ago, another important change took place. The Jesuit community in Denmark had become very small, and I received a message from the Jesuit provincial in Poland, who was responsible for Denmark. He asked whether I might consider retiring from university life and returning to Denmark to help the Jesuit community there.
At first I could not do so because my elderly mother was in a nursing home in the United States and needed my support. However, after some years the circumstances changed, and I agreed to return. In 2020 I moved back to Denmark and became superior of the Jesuit community there.
Today I continue to serve as a priest and Jesuit in Denmark. My term as superior is scheduled to continue until 2027. After that I will have to decide what comes next. I may return to the United States, or I may remain in Denmark. If I stay, I will probably devote myself to spiritual direction, pastoral work, and helping people in whatever ways I can.
Looking back, I see that my life has taken many unexpected turns—from a non-Catholic student in Michigan, to a Jesuit scholar, teacher, and priest, and eventually to Denmark and the Faroe Islands. Yet throughout all these changes, I have felt guided toward the places and people where I was meant to serve.
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[Here is an interview with Fr. Martinon on skaldic poetry: A Jesuit Scholar Looks Between the Lines].