“Grant us the grace to know the path you have planned for each of us and to respond with a generous yes” - This is what we pray in the ‘prayer for vocations to the priesthood’ in the archdiocese of Hartford. The priestly vocation can be summarized in this prayer. I am fortunate to be part of the Precious Blood parish family for the last five years, seven months and 23 days (November 7, 2019 - June 30, 2025). There are many good memories and this parish will be with me from wherever I am. Since I am given a new assignment as the parochial vicar in the parishes in New Milford and Washington CT, I wholeheartedly thank each and every one of you for your prayers, support and encouragement which helped me feel at home, while I am away from my family and dear ones. It was an unexpected call for me to be here in the USA and also serving in the Archdiocese of Hartford. Therefore I had many challenges, but our God, who is faithful to His promises, prepared people in advance to make me feel comfortable. I don’t know how to express my gratitude to Rev. Aidan Donahue. He understood me and gave me the freedom to share the ministry in the parish. He is always available to help and to listen to the needs. He gave me corrections in time which helped me a lot to improve. His words of wisdom and love to the church and her traditions are commendable. When I joined the precious blood Father Sam was here and he helped me a lot to settle initially and shared a great fraternity together. When Fr Sam left, Fr Lee Hellwig, Fr Moncy Varughese and now Fr Alen Mathew were with me these years. We shared residence and fraternity together. Deacon John Hoffman helped to settle and gave lessons to understand the culture and society. Friday 4 pm gatherings were really interesting and informative. Deacon Nick Genovese was always by the side and shared great moments together. Deacon George Sartor is new to our parish but he is going to be a great addition to our parish community. I do remember Dn Paul Jennings. The office Staff at our parish are wonderful and I thank all of them for their great commitment to function our parish activities smoothly. I received many “we will miss you” comments since my new assignment was announced. I don't know how successful I am in my ministry but I tried my best to be with those in their needs and difficult moments and also be faithful to the parish commitments. I am given the responsibility of Legion of Mary of our parish from November 7, 2019 to be the spiritual director and they were the spiritual strength for me these years. I enjoyed the meetings of Knights of Columbus as the chaplain the last couple of years. I thank the Ladies guild and the St Joseph men’s society for their commitment to the Milford community. I thank the rosary group and the Nocturnal adoration society for their continued prayers and the spiritual support. There are different good ministries that help our Milford society and I thank them for their hard work. If I go on listing, there are hundreds of people who helped and supported and encouraged me these years but I keep them in my prayers. I thank God for each one of you. Your kindness, your prayers, and your commitment to the life of the Church have inspired me daily. From the liturgies to the quiet moments of pastoral care, I will carry these memories with me with great affection. Though I may be leaving this parish, I am not leaving your lives. We remain united in Christ, and I will continue to keep you in my prayers. Please pray for me as I begin this new chapter of ministry. May the Lord bless you and keep you always.
“The woods are lovely, dark and deep, but I have promises to keep. Miles to go before I sleep and miles to go before I sleep.”
In Christ,
Father Lijo