Outgoing Parish priest of the Roman Catholic Church in San Fernando, Father David Khan, is calling on adults in the country to show children love.
Father Khan was recently appointed as the new head of the Catholic Education Board of Management and Vicar of Education. Khan, who has 20 years of service in the priesthood, will assume his new duties on August 18, replacing Sharon Mangroo. Mangroo has served as chief executive officer of the CEBM from as far back as 2013.
On Tuesday, a special farewell mass was held at Our Lady of Perpetual Help Roman Catholic Church in San Fernando, where Khan served as parish priest for seven years.
In his final homily as Regional Vicar and parish priest, Father Khan urged adults, including parents and teachers, to “love God’s children.”
As he spoke about the education system and how children are impacted, Father Khan said while instilling faith and morals in students is important, he underscored the significance of adults putting children “in the centre.”
Looking ahead to his new role, where he will have legal, canonical, and operational authority over the Archdiocese’s primary and secondary schools, Father Khan urged educators to think about the children, even ahead of themselves.
“So, therefore, my mission first begins: love God’s children. Love them and let us work together to truly put them in the centre.
“So, we cannot be educators and at the end of the day, what we really do, we do it for self.”
The outgoing parish priest thanked his fellow clergy and parishioners for their trust, love, faith, and patience. He said while his assignment has changed, he assured them that his affection and prayers remain constant.
—Sascha Wilson
