Abbot Hugh Allan, O.Praem.

Apostolic Administrator of the Falkland Islands and Superior of the Ecclesiastical Mission to St. Helena, Tristan Da Cunha and Ascension Island

A New Apostolic Administrator

Dear brothers and sisters in Christ,

In October 2016, I was appointed Apostolic Administrator of the Falkland Island and Superior of the Mission sui juris of St Helena, Ascension Island and Tristan da Cunha for a term of five years. It has been a privilege to serve for some extra time and I have loved my eight years of ministry in the South Atlantic.

Now, the Holy Father has appointed a new priest to look after this mission. Fr Pattasseril Tom Thomas is a Rosminian priest and comes to you with a wealth of talents and experience. He is parish priest of St Etheldreda’s, Ely Place in central London and he will continue in that role as well as being your new apostolic administrator. Please pray for him and support him.

Your new pastor will need your support, your love and your prayers. I know you will welcome him with open hearts. He is blessed to be given this task.

It has been an incredible honour to visit the islands and to be welcomed so whole heartedly into your community, your families and your homes. To witness the gospel of Christ lived out in the islands has been a wonderful experience, and it has been a humbling and beautiful gift to share in your lives. Your Christian witness will stay with me always.

Sometimes, on my journeys to visit you all, I would meet people who would say things like “why travel such long distances for so few people?” They seemed to think it was a waste of time. How completely wrong those voices are. Every soul is a precious and beautiful gift from God, and it has been a privilege to travel the long distances, remembering the words of the gospel “that every hair on your head is counted.” God loves you and wants you know his saving love. That is the message of Christ, and it is the true mission of the Church, to bring the message of the salvation of souls to every corner of the world.

My heartfelt thanks to Fr David and Fr Ambrose for being such great pastors and serving you with great dedication and compassion. It has been a joy to serve with them both.

Please forgive me any time I failed you in this ministry or not been the pastor you needed. You have always been very patient with me, and I am grateful for that kindness. Above all, please accept my thanks for giving me the gift of being your brother in Christ.

Finally, my thanks to the Holy Father for allowing me to serve you all for these eight years. As your new pastor takes up his task, I entrust him and you all to the loving and joyful heart of the patroness of the Prefecture and Mission, Our Lady, Star of the Sea.

You will all be in my prayers, every day. Please pray for me too.

Your brother in Christ,

+Hugh o. praem.

Abbot Hugh Allan, o.praem.