On April 12 and 13, parishioners of St. Nicholas Parish in Kinsley wiped away tears as they said goodbye to their beloved priest, Father Nicanor Ferangco.

On April 17, nearly six years to the day that the priest was assigned to St. Nicholas, he returned to his native Philippines for health reasons. Father Ferangco underwent a triple heart bypass surgery in November 2000.

At Mass April 13, Father Ferangco thanked all those people of the parish -- the committees, the ministers, and all the parishioners -- for their kindness and support over the years.

In a letter to parishioners announcing that Father Ted Stoecklein would serve as temporary administrator, Bishop Ronald M. Gilmore wrote, in part, "I, with you, bid farewell to Father Nick, thank him for his ministry, and wish him well back home."