It has been four years and six months since I entered the doors of Our Lady of Mercy Parish. At the outset, I was a bit unsure of what and how my life would be here. But within a few days I was able to make friends with many of you, and I felt so welcomed and appreciated.
When I initiated some programs like Bible Study, the Family Outreach Ministry that organized Live Christ, Share Christ Seminars and other activities, the Multi-Cultural Ministry that enhanced various devotional activities of OLM, and other parish ministries like the Altar Servers, the Lectors and Extraordinary Ministers of Communion, I experienced tremendous cooperation and participation from many of you. Even the trips and pilgrimages I organized were well attended.
Through them I was able to establish spiritual connections and fond memories with many of you. Truly, you have made my priestly life and ministry here so rewarding and fulfilling.
Of course, the fraternal support of my brother priests here has also made my life and experience much easier and enjoyable. I am sincerely grateful to them.
In a few days, December 15, I will embark on a new mission given by Cardinal Tobin. He has appointed me as administrator of St. Anthony de Padua Parish in Belleville, NJ. I am truly sad to leave all of you whom I have grown to love. Yet, I am also cautiously excited to enter the new door that has been opened to me. I may not know what awaits me on the other side, yet I fully believe that Jesus is there. I have complete trust in the guidance of the Holy Spirit, aided by your love and prayers.
As I bid farewell, I would like to take this opportunity to thank the parish staff, the members of the various Ministries, and all of you dear PARISHIONERS for giving me the opportunity to serve God and to serve you in this parish. And let me reiterate my heartfelt gratitude to my brother priests, Fr. Marty and Fr. Tom, for their patience and understanding throughout my stay here.
Finally, let us aspire to keep our connectedness strong and open. I will try to visit you whenever possible, and I hope you will be able to visit me at St. Anthony’s as well. It goes without saying that I need your prayers and I assure you of mine. Let us pray also for more men and women to answer the call to the priesthood and religious life.
May the blessings and favors of the Lord be always upon you!