You must be wondering about my absence after I left the parish on 15th July of this year for my vacation. I was supposed to be back in the parish on 20th August. But I was not able to make it due to circumstances beyond our control.
I obtained my R1 visa from USA Immigration which is valid till March 2021. Since I obtained R1 visa while I was staying in USA, it was required to get my Passport sealed from the country I visit first, for vacation or any other reason. Accordingly, I went to US Embassy in Sri Lanka and I was told that my documents would be sent to USA Immigration for processing and I would be informed when it was done. When I searched in the Internet, I learned that maximum period for such processing is six months and could be less and we need to check the site daily since it can come anytime during the period of six months. I am still following the site with anxiety to come to the parish where I was very happy.
I know that smooth running of the parish is hard for our Pastor, Father Quarato, with one Associate and I am really concerned about it. Further I miss all of you with whose company I was happy and anxiously look forward to being with you. While stating that my beloved ones and me are praying for this matter, I know that you too do the same. With hope that this will be solved soon, I appreciate the efforts of our pastor, Fr. Quarato, to solve this problem and his patience. I remember and thank Fr. Figueroa who shares the burden of the parish with Pastor Fr. Quarato.