by Cl Clarence Martis sdb
LONAVLA-PUNE, AUGUST 6, 2014: On August 2, 2014 a recollection was preached by Fr. Cleophas Braganza at Don Bosco Aspirantate, Lonavla from 5.30 pm to 8.30 pm. The theme for the 
recollection was 'You Are God's Field'.
The Rector, Fr. Solomon Rapol, introduced Fr. Braganza to the aspirants. After singing a hymn to the Holy Spirit, Fr. Braganza projected a few clippings of the World Youth Day held at Brazil last year. He then shared the message that the Pope gave during the World Youth Day. He said that the Pope began with the example of St. Francis of Assisi and how God called him to build His Church. He explained the parable of the sower and brought forth three main elements of the parable; the fie
ld as a place for sowing seeds, the field as training ground, the field as a construction site. "The Pope", he stated,"said that we must not wait outside and watch, but must be totally involved. 'I' must be the starting point".
Fr. Braganza also put forth the names a few saints and ordinary people who worked and died in India. Some of them were St. Thomas, St. Alphonsa, Sr. Rani Maria, Dr. Staines and Mother Teresa. He said that they did something in the world to build the kingdom of God. He then put forth the question, "What about you?" after which the community spent some time reflecting on that question. Fr. Braganza then sat for confessions followed by an Adoration service at 8.00 pm. The Aspirants were eager to finish their dinner quickly and to be ready to enjoy the Marian Treasure Hunt which would be conducted by the brothers.