\\FAREWELL// My brothers and sisters, we are here this evening to bid farewell to a dear friend, one who has been serving us for the past three years… in our creeks, rivers and communities. That individual is no other than Fr. Edwin.///// Father Edwin, on behalf of the Catholic Community of Mabaruma Settlement, I say farewell. But please let me comment a bit. Father, you have won the hearts of many. I wish to say that for us in this community, you have a special place in our hearts. We have observed your musical ability, your calm, your ever demonstrative posture, and firmness – but always with that smile which gives a message of joy. ///// This gives us courage and the will to go on working the way of Jesus. Fr. Edwin, we have learned so much since you came here. We shall always remember you. We do hope you also have learned from us, your humble people. I do wish you will take the beautiful memories of us, our region and our country to your homeland.///// Father Edwin, we all love you and parting is sad but this is inevitable for we all have to say goodbye sometimes or the other. May our patroness Blessed Kateri Tekawitha make your journey home safe. May God’s blessings keep you well. Fr. Edwin, my friend - Bon Voyage, Vaya con Dios, Farewell.///// \\SEND OFF WORDS// “We will miss your homilies. The way you explain the Word of God is simple but it goes right to our hearts. Sometimes, I don’t want to come to mass, but knowing I will miss your homily, I force myself to come.” –Mr. Henry///// “You have the gift of preaching. You apply the gospel in our ordinary lives and we understand. You have invited many to come back to Church.” – Mrs. Robinson///// “I will never forget how you sung ‘Here I am Lord.’ It still resonates in my heart and how you explained the meaning of the lyrics” – Mrs. Leung///// “I appreciate very much how you visit and take care of our elderly and the sick. We hope that the next priest will also have time for our elderly.” – Mr. Romascindo///// “One of the gifts of Fr. Edwin is his ‘drive for excellence.’ He is not contended with what is there. He will try to improve on whatever he put his hand onto. He will try to make things better.” –Fr. Jaime///// “I will miss Fr. Edwin’s presence on the boat and our camping in the riverain areas. He is willing to sacrifice time and energy to be with the people. “ –Mr. Lynch///// “I will always remember your teaching about life. Life is God’s gift to us and what we do with our life is our gift to God. Thank you for helping us understand many things in our faith. Thank you for helping me, when I was at a lost.” –Mrs. Santiago///// “You will always have a special place in our hearts. I have learned a lot from your homilies. You also have helped me a lot in dealing with life’s questions.” –Mrs. Gomes///// “Thank you for giving your time and your energy to the missions. May you always be generous in your gift of self to wherever you will be assigned.” –Bishop Francis