Farewell from Fr. Gijo

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

With a heart filled with mixed emotions, I write this farewell message to express my deep gratitude and affection as I prepare to embark on a new chapter in my journey as a priest. It is with a sense of both sadness and excitement that I bid farewell to the beloved community of the Church of St. Martin of Tours which has been my home for the past 12 years.

As I reflect upon my time here, I cannot help but be overwhelmed by the countless blessings and graces that God has bestowed upon me.  Your unwavering commitment to your faith has been an inspiration to me especially during Covid 19 and I am truly grateful for the opportunity to have served alongside you.

I am particularly grateful for the trust you placed in me during the most intimate moments of your lives. It has been an honor and a privilege to celebrate the sacraments with you, to witness the baptism of your children, to bless your marriages, and to accompany you in times of grief and loss.

When I had my stroke and during my recovery, so many of you from the parish, friends from abroad prayed, visited, called and checked on me regularly. You made certain that I was OK and you all supported me in many ways. To continue my recovery I will be on medical leave for the next three months and then, I will take up new responsibilities at the St Thomas Carmelite Province in India, I carry with me the memories and experiences I have shared with all of you. You have left an indelible mark on my heart, and I will forever cherish the relationships we have formed and the moments we have shared.

Let us continue to support and pray for one another, even as our paths diverge. I have no doubt that this community will continue to grow in faith, love, and service, guided by the Holy Spirit.

No matter the distance that separates us, God continues to unite us through the celebration of the Mass, for we all share and participate in the one Mass that is celebrated in Heaven for all eternity.

God bless; you all will be in my thoughts, love, and prayers.