Six years ago, I was so excited for my assignment to the Winton Wyoming Pastoral Region that began on July 1, 2014. Now, at the end of the two- term assignment this June, I look back and I thank the Lord for the amazing experience I had in our region. Also, I am praying for all the people that I have encountered during my ministry and for all those I will meet in my new assignment at St. Aloysius Gonzaga and St. Jude parishes. Living and working within the WWPR was a unique experience that touched my life tremendously. So, I want to say  “thank you” to God and to all.

I would like to thank my brother priests and deacons I served with. You put Jesus first in all you do, and I was so blessed to work with you for one goal: doing everything to save souls! 
Looking at Frs. Paul, Pete, Chris and McCullough,
I can truly testify that our parishes have always been blessed with outstanding pastors. Our humble deacons give us a great example of living a life of faith. I cannot forget the good
moments with each one of you and how you guided, supported, consoled and defended me anytime I needed it. I will always pray for you, and I will eternally be grateful. Also, I cannot thank enough our staff people. You are people who do everything behind the scene to make the life of every priest easy and possible. Thank you for your daily loving greeting and for your prayers us.

I know that I have not always been who I am called to be even though I try everyday to do the best thing. I probably did not respond adequately to your expectations, or share all
of myself with you as I should to bring healing,to love and care enough: I am so sorry for everything I did not do well. I have nothing against anybody, and I hope that the love of God we share in the sacraments heals our hearts and gives us peace and joy we always long for. I will always remember our regional family as a welcoming, loving and caring community. I witnessed how clergy, staff and parishioners live the gospel of love. Each spiritual experience we had together drew me closer to God and to Mother Mary. I saw this community becoming more multicultural and multilingual. I tested the fruits of that love of neighbor expressed in the care of the others, especially those in need. I was spoiled to experience a community life with parishioners who loved me, cared for me, and always took my hand to lift me up when I needed it. In all, you gave me opportunities to share with you my love for Jesus Christ, for Our Lady of Kibeho and our Catholic Church. Everyday, I see now how much I have been touched by the lessons you gave me to embrace everyone and everything with joy and sorrow.
 
If there was no Covid-19 with its restrictions for gatherings, I wanted to make a list of the lessons I learned from each of you - at least for myself- and thank each of you personally with a big hug. But even if we do not meet each other and say ‘goodbye’ until June 30, remember that I thank you for touching my life, bringing me closer to Christ, and giving me many opportunities to rejoice in the gift of the priesthood that I did not deserve. Please know that you remain in my prayers, and I ask you to pray for me and other clergy so that we may always be the kind of priest according to the heart of Jesus that St. John Vianney describes as one who is not for himself but for the people he serves. Please keep me in your prayers as well as I continue my ministry at the new assignment. God is good all the time!