Priests are a special part of a church family. They give us the sacraments of the church, preach, pray, guide, encourage, and stand beside people through joyful seasons and difficult moments. When priests leave their communities for new assignments, it can be hard to find the right words to express gratitude, sadness, and hope for what comes next.
Filipino priest Fr. Raymond Gaspar ends his mission in Macau serving the Filipino community. His last mass in the Church of San Augustine was held last June 28, and on June 30 he will leave Macau to end his ministry among the Filipinos and in the Church of St Agustine. His farewell mass was both a moment of reflection and celebration. By combining gratitude, personal memories, prayers, and well-wishes, the Filipino church goers honored Fr Raymond’s legacy and provide a heartfelt send-off that acknowledges his spiritual leadership and dedication among the Filipino community in Macau.
Fr Raymond took over the Filipino chaplaincy from the SOLT Fathers (Society of Our Lady of the Most Holy Trinity) in June 2022. When he arrived in Macau, Fr. Raymond and the migrant community faced the post-pandemic challenge of rebuilding life and faith among the Filipino diaspora. He accomplished that by harnessing the participation of other community leaders. He will be remembered with his gentle, firm yet lively leadership. His deep pastoral care, tireless ministry among the Filipinos, and genuine connection with church goers at St Augustine Church have left a lasting mark on the community. At his last mass, the Filipino community wishes to express its sincere gratitude and appreciation for all he has done.
A pastoral council member reflects: “We know that God’s call sometimes leads His servants to new pastures. While our hearts are heavy at Fr Raymond’s departure, we also rejoice knowing that another community will soon experience the blessing we have known. Yes, we will miss his reflective and warm smile, his gentle humor, and his unwavering faith. But we also know that the seeds he has planted here in Macao will continue to grow — in our ministries, in our families, and in our hearts.”
After his 9:30AM Mass, where his introduced the SVD Fathers (Society of the Divine Word), who will take over the ministry for the Filipino community in Macau, a number of church goers expressed their sadness and hopeful prayers for him: “Thank you for the comfort, hope, and truth you shared so faithfully. Wishing you joy in all that comes next” , a domestic helper said while holding her tears. A church volunteer worker says of him: “Father Raymond, thank you for your unwavering support and spiritual guidance over the years. Your dedication has touched the lives of so many, and we are eternally grateful” Another Filipino recalled the moments where Fr Raymond provided comfort and guidance to his family in Macau: “I will always cherish the time Fr Raymond spent with my family during difficult times. His comforting presence and inspiring words helped us find solace and renewal.”
Teary eyed, another parishioner who serve as lay minister has this goodbye message to Fr Raymond: “Fr Raymond As you leave this church, may you carry with you the love and gratitude of all who were blessed by your work.”
Fr Raymond will move back to his Diocese in the Philippines; he may take a needed rest to regain his health, assume a new ministry or a new assignment. Meanwhile the SVD Fathers will take over the mission work and ministry among the Filipinos in Macau in July.
(O Clarim Pastoral News Team)
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