Brothers as fathers

Father Philip Breen, pastor of St. Ann's Catholic Church, 5105 Charlotte Ave., celebrates his 40th year in the Catholic priesthood this year; he and his brother, Father Joe Pat Breen, pastor of St. Edward Catholic Church, 188 Thompson Lane, have been a fixture on the religious scene in Nashville for decades. The priest/brothers were honored with the Eternal Light Award by the National Conference for Community and Justice (NCCJ) last year for their contribution to the Nashville community, and they were alumni honorees at the 2005 Father Ryan Gala.

The pair grew up in a family of nine children in a close-knit neighborhood near Hillsboro Village with a menagerie of dogs, cats and chickens.

"It was a real community, without religious prejudice," Joe Pat said. "We didn't have much money, but it didn't take much to live a good life."

The brothers attended Christ the King and Father Ryan, and then Philip went off to St. Bernard Seminary in Alabama and St. Mary's Seminary in Baltimore, while Joe Pat attended Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa, and the Gregorian University in Rome, a training ground for cardinals and popes. Both priests have served parishes across the state including Memphis, Murfreesboro, Tullahoma, Chattanooga and Nashville before taking their current assignments in their hometown.

Inside info

What would people be surprised to know about you?

P: That I enjoy working on the grounds, planting flowers, cutting grass, trimming the bushes. I'm often mistaken for the groundskeeper at St. Ann's.

J: Some people think I'm better than I really am.

Why did you decide to devote your life to the priesthood?

P: Inspiration from outstanding priests and devout parents. Our parents taught us to serve others: "Much has been given, much is expected."

J: I love people.