I met Padre Gonzalo last weekend and the meeting settled my mind a lot. I gave him lunch and we were together about four hours both in the house talking and then around the Parish visiting the various areas and chapels. At no point did I hear a person who would destroy thing; more than anything, I heard Gonzalo saying he would continue projects and build on them. You see, it’s not so much for me that I would be worried but the people around me, especially in the school. They are worried that the new priest would come in, sack them all and bring in his own people. But I am convinced he will not do that rather that he will simply be there to support and build up. In particular, we set two dates: the handover Mass for Sunday 9th August when the Archbishop will come and lead us in the Mass to present the new PP. Then on the 12th itself when I leave, Gonzalo will be here for the departure and the handover of keys etc.
We also met up yesterday at the offices of Hogar de Cristo to discuss what will happen with the planned Medical Centre. In recent weeks, the money to build the new centre has been secured from sources back home, namely the ‘2 Hands’ charity. And also recently the local Rotary club has secured funds for the Medical Centre’s equipment. So we needed to work out what will happen now that I moving on. Basically the money will be sent over to our architect, Pedro Mogrovejo, who will oversee the building project supported by the new priest. Of course, we are still waiting on planning permission from the Council; myself and Pedro went into their offices this morning and that permission is moving forward. I would therefore imagine that the building can start by the end of August, in time for a Christmas completion. As with so many projects I have been part of here, the phrase is most definitely ‘we shall see’!
I was down at the St. James’ house at Ayangue for the last time this week. We had the usual meeting and Mass and, as usual, there was time for rest and relaxation. But it was filled with some ‘lasts’: my last swim in the Pacific, my last run along the beach, my last time watching a beautiful sunset over Ayangue bay. But most of all, my last time with a group of priests who have always supported and encouraged me. It would be true to say that the Ecuador priests in St. James have been and inspiration to me at every turn in this amazing journey. However, I don’t think it was because it was my last time in Ayangue that they ‘let’ me win at cards: I won fair and square our two-hour long duel. My Prize? Getting thrown in the pool fully clothed at midnight. Lovely!
So I most clearly in Farewell Period. This week I have been doing many visits to bless parishioners’ houses, arranging multiple Baptisms before I head off, doing wedding rehearsals and taking the altar servers out for a final trip. This is in the midst of wrapping things up (literally) and beginning to say tearful farewells. There is a fortnight to go but I think it will be a busy and tearful fifteen days.
No comments:
Post a Comment