Marist Fathers leave Venezuela

By Fr Tony O'Connor sm

On the 17th of January 2013, in Barrio Paso Real, the Marist Fathers were farewelled after 46 years of presence in the Parish of Flor Amarillo , Valencia, Venezuela

The Marist Fathers have looked after the Parish of Flor Amarillo, Valencia, Venezuela since the 11th of December 1966, some 46 years.

On Sunday the 20th of January 2013, we handed the parish back to Archbishop Del Prette, the Ordinary of Valencia, and he has appointed a team of his diocesan priests to administer it.

After 5 years in Venezuela it has fallen to me to ‘turn off the lights’, as it were, of another Marist work. For me it is now three parishes, three colleges handed over, and in a few months time I will leave Juan Claudio College, Fe y Alegria, which is situated in the same parish.

I must admit that the last few days have been full of feeling and in many moments I have found myself with a ‘giant frog in my throat’, reminding me that over the years, after so much, so many farewells and hand-overs this little fellow has not yet learned not to weep.

Handover Day Mass with Archbishop Del Prette, departing Marists & new PP Marco Noguera on his left

I say no more nor do I seek pious words. I leave to those who made the decisions to give the reasons why. ‘The captain gives the order, not the sailor’, goes the saying. My companions leave this week for other climes and I remain to close administratively the presence of the Marist Fathers in Venezuela and, God willing, complete the construction of the St Andrew’s Chapel in the Barrio Bucaral 2. After that, where? I imagine that God knows. That is enough for me for the moment.

Leading Teacher Carmen Piñango of Paso Real with Fr Tony O’Connor sm

Three Marists on Parish Farewell Night 19/01/13, Carlo Solis, Gilbert Marrero & Tony O’Connor