On Sunday 31 May 2009 (Pentecost Sunday), Father Valerian Cheong (affectionately known as Father Val) celebrated the 11.30am mass, his last in the Church of Risen Christ (at least for now).

Father Val spent about 22 months in the parish of the Church of Risen Christ as a parish priest providing exemplary service, especially ministering to the youth of the parish. He was a firm yet fun and lovable priest and was warm and cordial to everyone.

At the end of the above-mentioned 11.30am mass, the Parish Pastoral Council (PPC) Chairman Bernard Yee gave a short “thank-you” speech. On behalf of the PPC, PPC Ex-Co and the parishioners, Bernard thanked Father Val for the immense contributions that he had rendered to the parish, such as the setting up of the Youth Council in the parish and the appointment of a Youth Coordinator for the parish. The vibrancy of the youth in the parish today can, according to Bernard, be attributed to the assistance given by Father Val.

After Bernard’s speech,, Father Val replied, thanking everyone for their cooperation and well wishes for him. He said he is going to Rome to further his studies in the sacred scriptures as directed by our Archbishop Nicholas Chia. Father Val said that the course is a tough one and asked one and all to pray for him.

Next Father John Sim addressed the parishioners expressing the sadness of the parish community that Father Val has to leave the parish. He said there was always a lot of camaraderie among the four priests in the parish. He also said he was fortunate to have Father Val in his parish and thanked him for all the services he has rendered to the Church of Risen Christ. Father John expressed his hope (however remote it may be) that Father Val can return to the Church of Risen Christ one day.

A short farewell reception was held in the parish hall after the 11.30am mass and everyone had a good time. Bon Voyage, Father Val. May God always bless you.