From Fr. Rob’s Desk
One of the places on my bucket list that I have visited is the city of Rome. It is full of art and history. Roman ruins are common. Churches are located everywhere.

Why is Rome so important to our faith? It is here that Saint Peter and Saint Paul lived, taught, and were martyred. You can see the chains that were placed on Peter during his imprisonment. One can also go to the Basilicas of St. Peter and St. Paul Outside the Walls where their bodies are buried. Many pilgrims from all over the world come to these holy sites and thank God for their witness.

It is important to remember their faith journey. We hold them up in high esteem, and rightly so. Peter and Paul answered the call to follow. However, when they made that choice, they had no idea what was in store for them. Peter would leave his fishing business and his home to follow Jesus. Paul would leave behind his religious career and lose many of his friends to follow Christ. Both men were not perfect and owned their share of sins and weaknesses. Jesus, knowing their imperfection, called them. Their faith in Him and love for Him outweighed their deficiencies. Their dedication to Him would lead them all over the Roman Empire, even to Rome itself.
The life of a priest is similar. Christ calls chosen men to follow Him. We do not fully understand what He has in store for us. Sometimes, it means going to places that are new. In my case, I have moved many times in 24 years. For Fr. Jay, this means moving to his next assignment in Jefferson. He will have to readjust again to a new community. But like Peter, Paul, and countless other followers, we always trust in the providence of Christ, that we are doing God’s will and not following our own will.

We wish Fr. Jayaraj all the best as he transitions to his next assignment. Thank you, Fr. Jay, for sharing your faith and life with us all. God bless!

Have a safe and restful Independence Day!