My Dear New Parish Family,

There is an old story told of a traveller who came to a little village high in the mountains. As he approached, he saw an old man sitting by the roadside, so he stopped and asked: “Tell me, what are the people like in this village I am about to enter?” The old man looked at him gently and said: “Tell me what the people were like in the place you left behind.” The traveller sighed and said: “Oh, they were cold, selfish and difficult I was glad to leave them.” The old man nodded and said: “Then I am afraid you will find them much the same here.” Another traveller came along a little while later, carrying a bundle on his back and a smile on his face. He too stopped and asked the same question. The old man looked at him and asked once more: “Tell me what were the people like in the place you left behind?” The traveller’s eyes lit up: “Oh, they were wonderful so kind, generous and loving. It broke my heart to say goodbye. I only hope I may be blessed to find such good people again.” The old man smiled warmly and said: “Then you will find them much the same here.” Because, you see home is not simply a place you arrive at. It is a place you build together, one gentle step at a time, and that is exactly how I feel as I arrive among you.

It is with a heart full of gratitude and a little bit of holy excitement that I write these words to you your new parish priest, arriving from across the water, stepping onto this beautiful island and into the warmth of your welcome. Thank you from the very depth of my soul for making me feel so at home already. Your kindness has touched me deeply and I know already that I have come to a good and holy place. I want to say a special word of heartfelt thanks to Father Inna, who have loved and served this parish so faithfully. Thank you for handing on the torch of faith so beautifully you have laid a good foundation together with all the previous priests ever served here and I pray I may build upon it with the same care and devotion. Also to our wonderful, hardworking secretaries thank you! I already know that you are the heartbeat of this parish and I am so grateful for your help, your wisdom and your patience already. You are truly a gift to us all. As we begin this journey together, I ask you simply for a little patience. Think of me as someone walking through a beautiful garden for the first time I need to walk slowly, to look closely, to learn the names of the flowers, to understand the soil and the seasons, before I can help tend and grow it with you.

I want to get to know you slowly, genuinely to meet the wonderful people who serve God here in so many different ways: in our pastoral work, in our schools, in our care for those in need of God and peoples love and in our friendship with other churches and communities across this island. I will come, I will listen, I will learn and in time, please God, we will walk forward together. Most of all, I ask for your prayers. Because I know, with Jesus, what Saint John wrote is true: “I am the vine; you are the branches. If you remain in me and I in you, you will bear much fruit; apart from me you can do nothing.” – John 15:5

That is my prayer for us that we may be branches firmly rooted in Christ, connected to one another and bearing fruit that lasts. We are not perfect gardeners, but the Gardener Himself walks among us and that is enough. I beg you to pray for me, for Fr Benedict and for all the priests we have ever met on the journey of faith. May Mary, our Mother, hold us all close in her heart and keep every one of us faithful to her Son, Jesus Christ – True God and True Man. So here I am your brother, your priest, your friend – with open heart and open hands. Let us walk together, pray together and grow together – one gentle step at a time. Welcome home to all of us. With my love, my prayers and every blessing,

Father Marcin Drabik