What you will now read are the events of the reunion of YouthPaschers
2003, the band of youngsters who bear witness to the RISEN LORD. We were enlightened
by the Rabbis (religious teachers) Monty and Steve and Sr. Philu alongwith
Bros. Bastain and Jacinto, at Don Bosco, Lonavla.
It was two hours past daybreak when we awoke that day. The anxiousness of meeting our fellowmates kept some of us awake through the night. At 8 am we gathered at a town called Bhayendar, on the outskirts of the city Mumbai.
It was sad to learn
then, that a few of our brothers and sisters (whom we in this day and age, call
friends) were not able to attend this reunion. However, we were sure that
whatever it was that kept them, was important and they would definitely be with
us in our minds and hearts.
With our Rabbi Monty
giuding the way, we proceeded to a place called Uttan by the local transport
(ST bus), then went up the winding village of fisherfolk to the Church Our Lady
of Velankanni. We climbed down the rocks to the sea below. The Sea of Uttan.
Halfway down, we took a memorable picture. Picturing that scene, I now see the
thin similarity - We were Jesus's disciples from the Sea of Uttan.
We arrived at
Boscowadi and that Sabbath day, we did keep holy. Fr. Monty celebrated the
Eucharist and we exchanged peace with a handshake, warm embrace and a kiss.
After breakfast
of leaven bread and eggs, refreshing
tea and an Indian sweet dish of Jalebis, Oscar and myself Vanessa were greeted
and warmly wished for our birthdays which had just gone by. Fr. Monty presented
us with a beautiful gift each.
Then, like God's
little children, we played out in the sun. Later we decided to baptise
ourselves in the Sea of Uttan. First Fr. Monty and the men. The women joined
later. The man they called Janardhan or Jonathan, taught some of us to float on
water. I was sure I could never walk on water like Peter, but I learnt how to
float! The buoyancy of the Lord kept me going!
No sooner were we
out of the water at noon, than we were joined by another Rabbi - Steve and our
friend Jiffin. Some say that Jiffin devotes much time to God and he is even
busier than the Salesians!
Soon came the meal
at noon. We ate hand made rice cakes with fish and chicken under the shade of
coconut trees. Accompanying the food was the local drink - toddy and the
laughter of some who were exceptionally high in spirits. Later we sang songs
accompanied by Fr. Monty on a stringed wooden musical instrument.
Soon Steve and
Jiffin had to leave us for some pressing work at the Church.
Not long after we
were joined by Rabbi Lionel and another Brother. They stayed with us awhile and
gave us some religious mementos.
A few hours before
sundown, we had tea and eats and some others we keen on being re-baptized.
As it was almost
dusk and getting late, we had to move toward home and it was time to leave this
beautiful place. With heavy hearts as our baggage, we proceeded home from
Bhayendar.
I shall always
remember this - What a Joyful day it was - That Wonderful day we called PICNIC!
P.S.: There were many more happenings here, that was a reinforcement of our bonding and experience at Youth Pasch 2003, Lonavla. But they are not recorded here. These are recorded that whoever reads may believe and preach the Good News of the Youth Pasch to others.