28/07/2026
To our beloved Priest, Rev. Fr. Yvan Merilo, OFM:
Out of all the places God could have chosen along your journey, He blessed our humble community by bringing you to serve here at Mapuyo Chapel under St. Raphael the Archangel Parish. Having you as our shepherd, receiving your blessings, and celebrating the Eucharist with you has been a moment of pure graceโa sacred part of our history and a story we will proudly cherish for years to come.
We had the privilege of walking alongside you during this chapter of your sacerdotal journey, and now, with heavy and aching hearts, we stand here witnessing the closing of your ministry in our community. It is profoundly difficult to say goodbye. The priest who came to serve our chapel with so much dedication is now preparing to follow Godโs call to a new assignment. It hurts so deeply because over time, you became far more than our priestโyou truly became family to us.
Fr. Yvan, words will never fully capture how much your ministry has meant to us. From every Holy Mass offered with such grace to every homily that gave us strength, you have poured your heart into serving Mapuyo Chapel. You didn't just guide our communityโyou walked with us, prayed over us, and quietly sacrificed for us in ways we may never fully know. The warmth you brought to the altar and the profound care you showed for our faith family have left a mark that time will never erase.
While it breaks our hearts to watch you move on, we find peace knowing that another community is about to be blessed by the same shepherd who brought so much light to ours. As you embark on this next chapter of your calling, never forget that your impact here remains.
Thank you so very much, Fr. Yvan, for giving us your time, your heart, and your priesthood. We will hold you in our prayers every step of the way, just as you held us in yours.
Continue to serve the Lord. You leave with our deepest love, highest respect, and endless gratitude. Until God brings our paths together again, Father! ๐ค๐๐ป๐ฅน
โWe always thank God for all of you and continually mention you in our prayers. We remember before our God and Father your work produced by faith, your labor prompted by love, and your endurance inspired by hope in our Lord Jesus Christ.โ
โฟ 1 Thessalonians 1:2โ3
