Thursday, September 30, 2010

...Borneo my homeland!



Today was my last day of ministry at the Sister of Mercy of Americas. Being in the Mercy Mother house was a blessing and to have ministered the elderly individuals (Religious sisters, priests and laity) in residence at the Center was a great joy.

After the Holy Mass today the residents gave the blessing to me as a sign of sending off:

Father Peter,
your gifts have opened us
to the wonderful riches of a culture
far different from our own.
You have reached out with an open heart
to the gifts of our culture
and especially of our aging population.
We are grateful for your faith ministry to us.
You care and compassion are inspiring.

As you make your way back to Borneo,
we ask Our Lady of Peace to accompany you.
May God deepend your faith and your prayer
so that wherever you go
and whatever you do,
you will continue to be guided by the Holy Spirit.
May the blessing of God be upon you
as you minister in your new parish
and among the people of Borneo.
May you enrich their lives
as you have enriched ours.

Father Peter,
Our Prayer for you is the song that you have taught us:

May the blessing of the Lord be upon you
we bless you in the name of the Lord (2x)

May the Love of the Lord be upon you
we bless you in the name of the Lord (2x)

May the Hope of the Lord be upon you
we bless you in the name of the Lord(2x)