Growing in faith

     As a pastor and community activist, the Rev. Monsignor Luke Hunt undoubtedly has his hands full.

But if you ask him, he wouldn't have it any other way.

A native of Crablane, Tullow, Irleand, a small community situated just south of Dublin, Hunt came to the United States in 1967.

"It was hot, to say the least," he recalled jokingly. "You could say it was a culture shock. It was certainly a bit of an adjustment."

Hunt said when he got off the plane that first day in Mobile, Ala., he thought the heat was emanating from the airplane itself.

"Turns out, it was just that hot," he laughed. "I'll never forget it."

Hunt can often be seen sporting his signature straw hat on the hottest of days, and though his traditional black garb may not be ideal when the temperature soars, the jovial priest said he has grown to love the Emerald Coast – and it's warm climate.

"It's become my home," he said. "I do love it here."