Youth Ministry

Last night I was in one of the neighbouring villages watching a couple of our Brothers animate the children of the place for a cultural programme. It was confusion abounding! The Brothers had no clue what was to happen and how and why. Sharing my experience with Fr K.T. this morning, I realise that the Brothers only admire (and hardly appreciate) our organisational skills. They barely make any strenuous effort at emulating it. The long hours they spend with Fr K.T. in planning and preparing are totally forgotten when it comes to their programme in a village. They are very happy with some noise and claps ... so are people ... but so much more can be done if only they would organise themselves before they organise a programme.

However, I did witness a couple of good things too. There clearly was a silent tug of war amidst the village elders who, on one hand, could not but appreciate the Brothers for their valuable presence and assistance and on the other hand, discredit them (in the light of their strong Hindu background). While a couple of the elders openly thanked and praised the Seminary and the Brothers for their role in value formation and education of their children, others were fuming and fretting and making all possible efforts to get those praising the Seminary, off the stage. Furthermore, youngsters, especially those working, and on the first encounter appear very rough and indifferent, very well (and gratefully) remember the names of the Brothers who frequented their village for ministry when they were younger.