“Life Has Changed for Me”- a letter on my return to Canada

“Life haas changed for me.”Christmas, 2021

Dear Friends,

Again, I offer prayers for you and your family, that your Christmas celebrations be blessed, and that the coming year will be grace-filled.

Life has changed for me! Please note my new address below. After forty-nine years in South Asia, five in Bhutan and forty-four in Nepal, I have retired to Canada. In May, at the end of our academic year, I realized that I was not up to efficient physics teaching. After consultation, I chose to return to Canada, though continued life in Nepal, with reduced responsibilities, was a viable option.

The first half of this year was devoted to high school physics teaching and pastoral ministry. Continued life in Nepal, where I could use my Nepali language skills, was a tempting option, but I thought it best to move to Canada while I’m stable to travel.

Therefore in late August I returned and moved into our retirement home at Pickering, to the east of Toronto. I can help out with retreat ministry here. I have settled in well, with old and new friends. I enjoy a light work schedule, so have plenty of time to read and to walking in this scenic area. I enjoy excellent care..

Twenty-four Jesuits live here, fourteen of whom enjoying retired life. The other ten care for us! I spent September and October visiting family and friends in Ottawa and Winnipeg. My five sisters and their families enjoy good health and have been most hospitable to me.

The Catholics in South Asia continue to need outside financial support. Vocations to religious life and priesthood, while not plentiful, are sufficient, thanks to help from the laity, who support the clergy and one another. Please count on my continued prayers, and if you are in the area, do visit us.

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2320 Liverpool Rd. – Pickering, ON, Canada, L1V 1V4 70.  Phone: 905-839-3858, ext.103

Canadian Jesuits International  St. Mary St., Toronto, ON M5S 1J3 – Phone 416 465 1824

brobins@jesuits.orgEmail:cji@jesuits.org

Bill Robins, SJ, is a Canadian Jesuit who lived at Godavari, our original school at the south-east edge of the Kathmandu Valley. He lived in a community of six Jesuits and taught 11 and 12 English until his return to Canada in 2021.

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7 Comments
  • Paul Desmarais
    Posted at 01:45h, 15 December Reply

    Thanks, Bill. It was a blessing to meet you this summer and spend some days with you. You have been an inspiration to me over the years. I’m glad that you are enculturing well. God’s blessings at this special season. Let us pray for one another.
    Paul

  • Charles Pottie-Pâté
    Posted at 08:18h, 15 December Reply

    Welcome back to Canada. Bill. Thank you for your many years of ministry in South Asia. You have been an inspiration to me and to many others.
    Blessings on you as you continue to ministry in your mature years.
    Charlie

  • Terrence Prendergast
    Posted at 08:43h, 15 December Reply

    Welcome back, Bill! I’m sorry I wasn’t in Ottawa when you visited your sister. Merry Christmas!
    Terry

  • Peter Bisson
    Posted at 11:48h, 15 December Reply

    Thank you Bill!

  • Maria Skarzynski
    Posted at 12:07h, 15 December Reply

    You teach us how to retire with grace and keep busy at the same time. Thank you Father Bill.

  • Eric Jensen
    Posted at 14:25h, 16 December Reply

    Thank you, Bill. I wold be interested to hear what you feel Canadians need to learn from South Asians.

    Good to have you back with us.

  • Enid Robins-Holm
    Posted at 11:41h, 18 December Reply

    Having fulfilled a huge commitment in Nepal a rest is in order. Sounds like you are achieving a new rhythm and pace. Hope to see you soon.

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