Newly Ordained Fr. Peter Wamutitu Gives Thanks

Dear Brothers and Sisters in Christ,

At this great and unique moment, I truly, thank God, for having carried me gently despite of hardships, ups and down to actualize my long desired dream.

I would like to thank His Lordship Gabriel Malzaire. Your Lordship: I thank you for all you have done; with your blessing, I approach the Holy altar with faith and reverence. May God bless you.

As for myself, there are many in my life who have helped me realize my place in the Holy Body of the Church; those who have guided me by their words, deeds, and examples. It is to them that I owe a tremendous debt of gratitude.
First and foremost are my parents. If I were to speak of love, I must think immediately of them; for there is no greater example of selflessness that I have witnessed in this world than that of my parents. They have inspired me to give as they give; to sacrifice as they sacrifice; to devote myself as they devote themselves to all that is good. They must be proud of themselves for the son of the soil have become what he always wished to be.   I thank them for teaching me the art of self-giving and may God Bless them always.

Along with my parents, I would like to thank His grace Archbishop Kelvin Felix, for the love he has shown me throughout our stay in Grand Bay. In many ways, with his own strengths, experiences and advice, he has taught me about life, sacrifice, commitment and responsibility. I thank you for the role you have played in my priestly formation.

To my brother Priests; all of you are so dear to me. Thank you for all your support and encouragement.  To those who nurtured my spiritual thirst especially Fr. Clement Jolly. You have taught me how to live the faith instead of just talking about it. I would like also in a special way to thank Fr. Charles Martin, the Dean of the Cathedral who from day one in my life here in Dominica made me feel at home. I thank you from deep within my heart for being like my blood brother.

I would also like to thank Fr. Joseph and Sister Carren for coming to witness this glorious occasion. Welcome to Dominica, the Nature Island.
I would also like to thank my precious people of Grand Bay, Pichelin, Tete Morne, Petite Savanne, Dubique, Grand Coulibre and Bagatelle. Throughout my stay here you have always been by my side to support me, encourage me, laugh with me, and love me. It is your love that sustains me and makes me feel at home.

To my good brother Fr. Lindor; you will never know your importance in my life. We are truly like brothers. At times when I have felt the weight too great to bear, our brotherhood has always been there to remind me that I am not alone. Thank you for standing by me whenever I needed you.

I would like also to thank the musicians, Choir members, decorators, cleaners, Altar servers, and every one else I may have forgotten, I say a big thanks for all what you have done to colour this great occasion.

For as long as I can remember, I have heard this call within my heart. I have answered it throughout my youth and young adult life. Today I pledge to continue answering this call to the best of my ability, knowing that nothing is possible without God who makes the priest, the teacher, the driver, the cook and the doctor just to mention a few. We need all sectors to move the world because we are all children of God struggling to do His will in the role we have been given. We are all created with a purpose and to know one’s self is to understand and come to terms with our individual calling. Once discovered, we must have the humility to accept this calling and fulfill that which is required of us. Young people do not shy away to say yes to God. He need you and wants to use you and make you great in building His kingdom.

To all of you, some of whom have come from long distances to celebrate with us today, if I knew every language, if my mouth were full of every word, I couldn’t tell you thank you enough. You’ve helped to become a priest.

For all of you I thank God, and in return, to Him and them I offer my whole self as a servant. I pray that Christ may accept me, the least among many, and strengthen me in my weakness with His strength, through the prayers of the Holy and Glorious saints. O Lord and Master of my life, grant me to share with faith, hope and love in your sacrifice on the Cross. Into your hands I commend my soul and body; have mercy upon us and remember us, Lord, in your Kingdom.