A FORMER DJ who has joined the priesthood is going back to his roots to broadcast his message over the airwaves.

Port Glasgow man Ryan Black has found his voice on Radio Vatican, bringing news from the Catholic Church in Scotland to the rest of the world.

It is a home from home for former YOUR Radio star Ryan, who is studying at the Pontifical Scots College in Rome. As he embraces a global audience, Ryan also hopes to translate to the rest of the world the great things that are happening in Inverclyde.

Ryan, 25, now in his fourth year of seminary studies, said: “The highlight of my time at Vatican Radio so far was when I did a live commentary and translation for Pope Francis.  

"He received the international Charlemagne Prize in May this year, and I was in a small studio in the next room in the Apostolic Palace, watching him on a monitor and translating his Acceptance Speech about his dreams for Europe.

“Although I worked for YOUR Radio for five years, it was as a presenter; I had never experienced anything like a live commentary, hearing my voice in one headphone, and the Pope’s in another.”

Like Pope Francis, Ryan believes the power of both conventional and social media to help people find their faith and uses it himself to keep in touch with those back home.

He said: “The use of social media is not to be feared in the church – if it can serve as an introduction or a re-introduction to the faith, then of course it is important to embrace it.”

As he prepares to come home for Christmas, the former St Stephen’s High pupil can’t wait to be reunited with family, friends and parishioners in his home parish of St Francis.

Ryan said: “The Christmas break is always great, because you can catch up with family and friends, and celebrate the real reason behind Christmas with your fellow parishioners.

“The Christmas Masses in the Port are always something to behold.

“It is certainly noticeable that there is a deep sense of religion in Inverclyde, not only are we blessed with so many Christian churches, but attendance is high in many parts.

Ryan added: “Along with Greenock deacon Jonathan Whitworth, I feel privileged to have grown up in Inverclyde.”

The proud Port man hopes that in the future he might be called to serve in his home town.

He said: “The thought of ministry in Inverclyde is great, but of course, ministry anywhere in the Diocese of Paisley will be a blessing and a privilege.”