Dear Friends ... Queridos Amigos,

 

I hope this little letter finds you well. I have some news to share. Some people already will be aware of a big decision I've made after much thought & prayer. It's not been an easy decision to make.

 

I've decided to return this coming September to the UK and to my home diocese, Arundel & Brighton, after what will have been 3 years in Peru.  I had intended originally, when I arrived here in September 2005, to stay for 5 years. My time here, as you've been able to see & share through these letters, has been very happy in so many ways and certainly a huge blessing for me as a person and as a priest. I've received far more from the people than I've given to them.

 

Why, therefore, the return to the UK? It really comes down to a deeply felt personal need to re-connect with my "roots" (my diocese) & with many people who are important to me (family & friends). The fact is that before I even arrived in Peru I'd already spent 3 years working in London.  This means I've now been effectively 6 years "away".  Before that I worked as Bishop's Secretary for 4 years and, therefore, I've not actually worked fulltime in a parish in the UK for all of 10 years.  So I feel that now is the time to re-connect with all this.

 

Deciding to leave Peru is hard as I know very well how great the needs are of the people and of the Church. Maybe one day, if God wills it (si Dios quiere), I'll come back for another period. I'm certainly open to that possibility. In the meantime I know that I shall NEVER forget the wonderful, good & humble people I've met and had the privilege to serve. I shall ALWAYS pray for them and continue supporting the Church here in every way possible. Neither shall I forget Bishop Dan and all the people with whom I've been privileged to work in the Diocese of Chulucanas. So many of YOU who are reading this have also been a wonderful source of support to the people here during my time, in prayer and material help you've given. Again, on their behalf, "muchisimas gracias". Hopefully, my coming back to the UK won't stop the flow of support for Peru!

 

I had some beautiful "Despedidas" (farewells) in Frias and Chulucanas - I was honestly overwhelmed by the kindness shown me by everybody [pics below]. I felt "very small" and duly humbled.  Hardly anyone said "don't go, Padresito" instead they said "thank you for being with us. Go in peace, never forget us and one day come back!". This really helped me to leave with peace and gratitude in my heart ... rather than being racked by guilt (like a good Catholic!).

 

 ... goodbye to the little ones

 ... and to the bigger ones

 ... and to those I've lived and worked with

 ... and my last Sunday in Frias

 

As of a week ago I've been in Lima caretaking a very different Parish - "Jesus Artesano" (Jesus the Craftsman) - in Chorillos. It only has 4 churches / communities (after the 105 of Frias!!) and can be walked from one side to the other in an hour or so (as opposed to days). Having said that it's a really busy parish with loads of people and activity - and juggling 4 churches is still quite a challenge ... even after 105. There's a lot of poverty, health problems and social needs (and CRIME)  - but as with the folk in the mountains there's also plenty of smiles and laughter.  The people have made me feel very welcome.

 

 ... gone are the mountain of Frias

 

I shall be here until the end of August while the parish priest, Joe McCarthy, raises missionary funds in the USA and then has a good break back in Ireland (Bantry Bay). Joe's been here for nearly 40 years !! When he returns I shall make my way back to the UK in September.

 ... outside one of the 4 Chapels with Joe MCCarthy

 

So that's my news folks. No doubt I'll send at least one more "Letter from Peru" (life in Lima) before September arrives. Please pray for me, the people here and be assured of my prayers.  Thanks for your support y Dios les Bendiga.

 

con afecto,