June 25, 2016: “Despedida” of Fr. Peter at Hillsborough, NJ

20160625 Mary Mother of God church - Despedida of Fr. Ssekajugo

On Saturday, June 25, 2016, the Latinos’ community of Hillsborough gave a heartfelt farewell to Father Peter Ssekajugo, Consolata Missionary. Father Peter presided over the Eucharist at Mary Mother of God Parish church, where he had been assisting the Pastor, particularly in following the Latinos’ community, for nearly two years. At the altar with him were Father Timothy Gatitu, Consolata Missionary, and Rev. Alexander J. Carles, newly appointed associate at the Parish.

Francisco Marin, leader of the Latinos, gave a moving speech underscoring the fact that the Latin American community in Hillsborough considered and felt Father Peter as one of them, a member of their families: a priest they could go to, speaking their language, praying with him, with the knowledge that at any hour he would be ready to listen to them and give them his advice.

At the end of Mass everybody came up to greet Father Peter.

20160625 Fr. Ssekajugo despedida

A reception followed where gifts were given to Father Peter and to Father Alexander, the new associate at Mary Mother of God.

20160625 The gifts moment

All the children in the hall run up to greet Father Peter and to show him their affection.

20160625 "Less the children come to me!"

Father Timothy and Father Paolo joined in the reception and gladly savored the welcoming atmosphere of the Hillsborough Latinos’ community.

20160625 After the "Mistica" ..."la mastica"