Chris Valentino sdb
LONAVLA, FEBRUARY 27, 2010: “It is consummated” that is the feeling of the Chapter Members gathered in the idyllic mountain top. There is in the air a feeling of we’ve been here, done this and now let’s get back to hearth and home. As PC 2010 enters the last day, many of the serious works have been successfully accomplished.
The various commissions have presented, clarified, modified and revised their documents. In the bargain they’ve received flak, commendations, suggestions and appreciation. Many meetings with days-turned-into-nights huddles, brushing up of the language, touching up the documents and preparing a product fit for common public consumption has indeed been an uphill task for the 60 odd confreres involved in the process.
Except for the two commissions of the Social Commissions and Formation all the others have been successfully voted upon and received a clear mandate to get going with the task at hand. Of course, there have been many lighter moments on and off, eliciting laughter, cheer and camaraderie.
The plus point was that this Chapter had a very good blend of the young and the senior. The well-fought contests off the discussion floor on the basketball court and in the rink football arena revived memories long faded. The energy, the gusto and the skills on display were a pure visual treat, worthy of a live telecast on prime time television! Yes... the customary long walks, visits to acquaintances and catching up with long lost friends only added more colour to the event.
Apart from the warmth, cordiality and hospitality of our confreres at Lonavla the Chapter Members were also guests of honour treated to a solemn tea and snack fest at Maria Ashiana Therapeutic Centre thanks to the kindness of Dr. Barnabe D’souza.
The penultimate day also saw the tasting and purchasing of Chikki. The aspirants of Lonavla despite their exams showed tremendous acceptance and charity when the discussions got too vociferous with increasing decibels. They also showed their love and appreciation with a well-animated Family Circle which in many modern Salesian communities seems to be losing ground.
What started off with a bit of apprehension, a little skepticism and a seemingly laborious exercise in being bound to a chair burdened with a folder filled with papers that required study, reflection and approval has turned out in the end to be a process of togetherness, awareness, sensitivity and genuine appreciation.