It is with mixed emotions that I pen this editorial. Although it had been decided earlier that our Chief Editor Fr. Dr. Sebastian would write it, Achan was caught up in packing up for another journey, unexpectedly. As Achan has reached Houston safely today, with a mission and vision to spread the love of Jesus, it is my wish and prayer that he stays rooted in Jesus and be nourished by His Sacred Body and Blood so that Jesus’ mission is accomplished through Achan.

They say that rootlessness is the primary cause of many problems. In general, all of us, therefore, keep ourselves rooted to our soil of heredity, culture and environment just as a plant is rooted where it is planted. On the contrary, the life of a priest is like a plant that has to acclimatize to various conditions and circumstances, friendly and hostile, whether they like it or not. It is a huge challenge. Successful missionary work depends on this acclimatization. Fr. Sebastian is well versed in many languages and his personality is so friendly; so he befriends anyone who comes across his pastoral field.

Although we don’t want to say farewell to Achan, the inevitability of his pastoral call demands us to say: “Thank you Sayanachan for what you have been and will be for L’ALPHA, and the Alphona community at large. May your mission continue to inspire many more lives in Houston.”

It is also our privilege and pleasure to welcome Fr. James Nirappel as our new pastor. May the Good Lord help Achan to find happiness in spreading the Gospel in LA.

*The “Constant” Prayer of St. Catherine of Siena*

“Precious Blood, ocean of divine mercy: Flow upon us! Precious Blood, most pure offering: Procure us every grace! Precious Blood, hope and refuge of sinners: Atone for us! Precious Blood, delight of holy souls: Draw us!
Amen.”

Somy Zacharia (Associate Editor)