INNISFAIL - Our Lady of Peace Catholic Church has welcomed a new priest.
Father Liju Jose, 34, has been a part of the local parish since late summer, replacing Father Tom Puslecki, who left Aug. 16.
Originally from southwest India, from the state of Kerala, Jose moved to Innisfail this past summer after serving as a chaplain at the University of Alberta Hospital and Cross Cancer Institute in Edmonton for two years.
“(Our Lady of Peace) is my first parish here in Innisfail (and Canada),” said Jose, adding he was a parish priest in India for five years and has been an ordained priest for eight.
In India he belonged to the Archdiocese of Kottayam, a diocese that supports overseas missions and was asked to go to Canada just over two years ago.
He arrived in Innisfail on Aug. 19 and has been getting to know the town and the people.
“I am happy to be here for almost two months. I love this place,” said Jose. “I come from a small town in India. It’s more crowded but almost similar (to Innisfail). People know each other,” he added.
“For me, it’s an experience to learn a new culture. We learn many things not from books but different cultures and our daily life experiences,” explained Jose. “I think it will be a great help for me here. It helps me to (improve) in different ways and to have a different outlook.”
The parish, both staff and parishioners, have helped him settle into his new role.
“They are helping me a lot,” he said, noting some things he likes about the town. “It is a very calm town. There are lovely people here.”
Jose said as a priest it's his goal to reach the community for God.
He aims to share God’s message of hope, peace and love.
“The community is my family,” said Jose. “Here, especially at the church, it is the place to think about the plan of God and our duties.
“I am doing my best to help people to grow in faith and also to build a community,” he added.
“When they (church and community) are working with the same aim the family becomes a lovely home,” said Jose. “We learn from God to love each other and to share the love of God.”
