From: "Elvira Dsouza" <[EMAIL PROTECTED]>
To our beloved Bishop
FARE YE WELL BELOVED BISHOP !!!
Distance cannot sever what time and love have joined
together !
Beloved Bishop Francis Micallef,
- Some people come into our lives
and leave footprints on our hearts and
we are never, ever the same -
The time has come for us to say Goodbye, and though we
wish that we could have you longer with us in
Kuwait, we know that we must let you go to enjoy some
much-deserved rest after selflessly serving as
Bishop of our Vicariate, each precious day of the
last twenty-four years.
Beloved Bishop, how can we thank you enough for all
that you have done? Over the years, you have won
not only our respect and admiration, but also, our
love and deep gratitude.
How can we ever forget your compassion and
commitment to your people during those terrifying
days of the invasion? In the footsteps of Jesus,
the Good Shepherd, you never once abandoned us,
but were willing to lay down your own life for
your 'sheep'. A "beacon of hope", we came to rely on
your strong presence and your spiritual consolation.
After the liberation, we moved together in hope,
putting the worst behind us. Under your leadership,
we were once again able to rebuild as a community.
Our renovated cathedral, church, chapel and newly
built parish halls, along with the vibrant and
prayerful communities that worship within them -
are clear and loud testimonies of your love and
concern for your faithful that have made all these
good things possible. Everywhere, around us, we
shall always be reminded of your valuable contribution
and hard work.
Though the distance may be vast between us, we shall
have cherished memories of the many Jubilees, feasts
and parish celebrations which have endeared you to us
for years and years to come. You have truly been one
of us and one with us.
You leave behind a legacy for us to emulate - that
of holiness, simplicity, compassion for our fellow
beings and dedication to God's work. You never
enforced your ideologies, but by your silent witness,
you have awakened within each of us, the spirit of a
true Christian.
We wish you Godspeed, our thoughts and prayers go
with you as you embark on a new phase of your life in
your beloved homeland, Malta.
We pray and implore the Almighty Father, Son and
Holy Spirit to shower Your Lordship, your family and
your religious community with abundant blessings. May
our Blessed Mother, "Queen of Carmel", whom we also
lovingly call "Queen of Arabia", accompany you with
her powerful protection. May the heavenly Angels
be your constant companions and all the Saints, your
intercessors, along life's way.
Keep us in your memory, and above all, in your
prayers, beloved Bishop!... we dare not ask for
more. Goodbyes are not for ever, goodbyes are not
the end. They simply mean we'll miss you until we
meet again.
We love you!!!!
Your ever-loving faithful in Kuwait
--------------
May flowers always line your path and sunshine light
your day.
May song birds serenade you every step along the way.
May a rainbow run beside you in a sky that's always
blue.
May happiness fill your heart each day -
And remain with you, your whole life through.
==============
(courtesy:
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/vicariate_news/ )
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