Dear Friends,
My farewell 
Mass last Sunday and the reception that followed were beyond my expectations. The church was packed to capacity, and many were standing in the narthex. I was told that there were at least 450 people in the cafeteria for the reception. I was truly overwhelmed by your loving presence, your words of appreciation, your show of support, and your assurance of prayers and good wishes as I move to Our Lady of Peace in Fords.
In the past weeks, many of you have asked me, “How do you feel about leaving St. Matthias?” I always answered: “Mixed feelings.” It was more of a head-level answer. Now that the time has really come, it is hitting me home, and I can truly say the heart—level answer: I am feeling sad to leave this wonderful community. The challenges and opposition I faced were more than compensated by the overflowing love and support I received from you. I took every opportunity to listen to ALL, wanting to understand the situation from the other person’s perspective. The Holy Spirit always helped me to be objective so that the common good of our parish community would be achieved and the evangelizing mission of Jesus Christ would be furthered.
Once again, my gratitude to God, whose love and grace enabled me to fulfil my mission here, and my heartfelt love and gratitude to all of you for the constant and loving support you gave me. Please pray for me to do God’s will in my next assignment.
Some of you had asked me for the lyrics of that song I dared to sing in the church. Here it is:
Do It Now
If you’ve a kind word to say, say it now; If you’ve something to give, give it now;
If you can make someone glad, or another less sad, Do it now, do it now, do it now.
Now before it is too late; Now’s the time for every good deed;
Do not wait until tomorrow, For it may be just a little too late!
If there’s friendship to show, show it now. If there’s goodness to show, show it now;
If there’s hope you can raise or someone you can raise, Do it now, do it now, do it now.
Now before it is too late; Now’s the time for every good deed;
Do not wait until tomorrow, For it may be just a little too late!
Your brother in Christ,
Fr. Abraham Orapankal