Passion for the young

 I just visited a community in the province and have been closely observing its changing scenario over the last 4 years. 

Initially the place was abuzz with young people and life. There was real life with these young people passionately involved in learning and growing. The ambience was very cordial but there was discipline. I could FEEL the place alive. 

Now, there are relatively fewer young people. More Salesians. More staff members. There is better organisation and more facilities than before. But that has not added life to the whole setting. The place seems distant and lost. 

One clear cause making all the difference: Salesian involvement based on one's passion for their growth.

For young people

 One of the points that struck me from among the reflections shared by Fr Albert Johnson, our retreat preacher, was the crucial point about our Salesian initiatives and enterprises. 

At one point he made the following statement: 

Even if we take up a Parish, we take it up for youth ministry! 

He went on to elaborate that our Salesian vocation is primarily geared towards the young.  And in all that we do or say or undertake, the young people ought to be the focus.  Whatever we do , wherever we are, whatever we take on, it is for the young people.  

And if that essential dimension is not at the back of our head, inbuilt into us, then we might end up being everyone else or anyone else, except whom we claim to be: SDBs! 

He has a valid point there! Somehow this is one criteria that I did not really give it a thought to, in all these years in office, discussing policies and initiatives.  I'm not sure, if it has become so embedded in me that this aspect is by default at play in my decision making. Perhaps it has. Perhaps, not! 

Passion meets opportunity

 I am at Mariapuram today and was pleasantly surprised to see all the 23 boarders and one girl (daughter of one of the school helpers) making an all out effort to speak in English.  They recited the whole Rosary in English, perfectly well!  The little girl led the night prayers as well. And although she was reading out the text, her English was far FAR better than some of our Brothers and even Priests!! 

I think this is what happens when passion meets opportunity.  These children may not be the brightest of all in the school or the vicinity. But when provided with an opportunity to speak in English they have grasped it with both their hands.  

I would be a fool to believe that all 24 of them are equally passionate or motivated. But it certainly looks that most are!  They haven't had any language labs or special English tutors.  No professional help or assistance either.  It is pure old school insistence, practice, follow up and encouragement.  Much credit goes to the boarding master (an ex-Salesian himself, who I guess is keen to make an impression, to work a comeback! No harm, given the beneficiaries are the boarders!). 

The statue of Mother Mary, in front of the Church at Mariapuram, against the evening sunset backdrop