Thanks, Fr Ciprian! Friary community says farewell
THE DEPARTING Guardian of Wexford’s Franciscan Friary Fr Ciprian Budau addressed his congregation for the last time at a farewell Mass attended by parishioners and well-wishers.
Fr Ciprian, who has left Wexford to take up a new position in the UK, delivered a final message in which he spoke about the helpfulness of Wexford people and re-iterated the importance of prayer and especially the Mass in people’s lives.
Fr Ciprian thanked his fellow friars for their assistance and the lay people of the parish for their advice and guidance, especially on the occasion of his arrival six years ago. The Romanian native said people explained some cultural differences to him so that he was aware of what would or wouldn’t work.
The celebrant of the Mass was Fr Ciprian, while Fr Aquino, Fr Agnellus and Fr Robert concelebrated. The Friary choir sang hymns.
A friar who works alone is a sad friar and will not be successful in his endeavours, according to Fr Ciprian, who said he hoped that groups currently using the friary as a centre will continue to do so, including Wexford Pro Life, Catholic Family Network, Polish Scouts, Friary Choir, Divine Mercy and the Indian community in County Wexford, who hold a monthly mass in the church.
He said that his advice to any new friar would be to come to Wexford first. ‘From my experience, it is a great place to be a friar. The people are genuine, helpful and friendly.’
Fr Ciprian has been appointed Head Custos at St Patrick’s Friary in Waterloo, London. He said he hopes to meet people again when he is visiting the Wexford friary in his new role. The new Guardian in Wexford is Fr Aquino Thomas Maliakkal, who has been based locally for the past two years.
Fr Ciprian was the recipient of flowers and good wishes at a reception held in the friary after the Mass. Fr Agenellus and Fr Aquino presented him with flowers, as did members of the Indian community. A cake was organised by the Catholic Family Network, while community groups attached to the friary provided home-cooked food for a buffet.
Those in attendance contributed to a collection as a token of appreciation.