Reassigned!

 Many things pass through the mind of a religious when he is asked to move. Especially because, usually, we are not just “commanded,” but rather it comes as a request you may accept or not. Many times, they give you some time to think about it. You know that the thing has been thought through, so you know that, most probably, the best thing for everyone is that you accept, but the ball is on your court and you have to play your part.

There is a part of you that feels the pressure to accept in order to please “the boss,” and another part that feels the responsibility of doing the right thing so that the move does not end up creating bigger problems for everyone; a part that mourns the loss, and a part that may be excited about what is coming.

Playing your part means, sometimes, bringing to your boss’ attention relevant objections that he may not have considered or may be unknown to him; other times, just being honest about your feelings; always, it is giving your heart to your superior, your interior self, knowing that through him you are giving it to God Himself. In the end, you do not accept a new assignment from your superior but from God Himself. And you know that even when human beings, you and your superior, are not infallible, God is. The question for the one who moves is not, “Did the superior get it right?” Instead, the question is, “What does God want me to do?”

As I see it, this move is the right move, and I am thankful to my superiors for the thought they gave to it. I know God is preparing something good for me, and this fills me with hope. I am thankful to all of you for welcoming our ministry so warmly, and for so lovingly taking care of us. You will certainly be missed!

During my parents’ recent visit, my mom shared with a few of us a story I did not know. When my brother and I were already in the seminary, the priest of my home parish gathered the parishioners to tell them about a problem he was having in the parish… and at a certain point he could not continue and broke down in tears. My mom then thought: “Who will comfort my children, who will have their back, when they will be around the world in their missions?” And then she said to us, “Now I know who they are, and that they are taking good care of my son!”

THANK YOU!

- Fr. Andrew