Dear friends,

Greetings from Vienna where we stayed for 2 days before heading to our final stopover in Prague. So far, our trip went well. We enjoyed sightseeing tours and prayed at magnificent cathedrals and holy shrines. For me, the climax was the visit to Our Lady of Czestochowa in Poland. It coincides with the Marian month of May. This stop at the shrine of the Black Madonna provided me with the much-needed time for prayers, reflection and thanksgiving. There, I am reminded of the continuous grace that God showers on us while we journey through our earthly life. Particularly, I am aware of those who are grieving the death of their loved ones. They are always in my prayers. May our deceased parishioners experience the love and the peace of God.

Although I have knowledge of the “ethnic cleansing” of Jews by the Nazis, it is always disturbing to be confronted again with the dark side of human history. During our tour, we also stopped at Auschwitz-Birkenau where over 1.4 million Jews and Christians were “exterminated”. Amongst the victims were also Edith Stein and Maximilian Kolbe, who were later canonized by Pope Saint John Paul II.

It is sad to see that wars have now become the preferred means in dealing with conflicts! As Pope Leo XIV said earlier, we need “an unarmed and disarming peace, humble and persevering. It comes from God, God who loves us all unconditionally.”

While I am overseas, I also received an email from the Diocesan chancery reminding me that the parish has an outstanding debt of 61K. This amount results from unpaid bills and charges dating back to 2018. It is frustrating news as we are on a good path towards financial recovery and stability. The Parish Finance Committee and I need to find a way to clear this debt and move forward in our effort to consolidate our parish finances.

Despite of financial difficulties, we cannot ceased investing in maintaining our parish facilities and in building up a spiritual, faith filled and compassionate community. Having invested in the repairs of OLOL and St. Michael’s roofs etc., our next focus is to replace the 45 years old carpet at St Michael’s. So far, there is a quote of nearly 110K for the replacement of the carpet. We can’t afford this amount. So, we will continue to search for affordable options.

At the same time, we continue with the renovation of the old church. This project is important for our parish life as a restored old church may provide us with opportunities for spiritual and social outreach. I have been advised that the interior demolition (including the removal of asbestos) and roof pressure cleaning have been completed. The pressure cleaning of the roof will allow us to detect possible leaks within the roof structure. I believe that soon we may be able to use the old church again, at least for few parish functions. The cost of the interior demolition and roof pressure cleaning amount to 24K which is covered by the sale of brass plates and donations.

To conclude my Sunday’s editorial, I would like to express my gratitude to Fr Kevin, Fr Thomas and especially to Monica. Carrying much of administrative and liturgical duties during my pilgrimage.

I will return on 31st of May. Till then, I wish you all a wonderful Sunday .

Fr Joe