Jubilee Celebrations
Of the Religious commitment
By S. Mariadas
On 20th October, 2004 at St Pauls, Bandra, Mumbai the big event began with a thanksgiving Eucharistic Celebration presided over by the ever friendly Bishop Percy Fernandez (Auxiliary Bishop of Mumbai). There were six golden jubilarians and one silver jubilarian. The liturgy was well prepared and the choir had selected appropriate hymns. The Bishop gave a fitting homily saying that we are like the bulbs, but we have to be connected to the electricity. If we are not connected to God, we can't do anything.
After the Mass, the felicitations were organised in the grounds. There were many toasts. As soon as the official toast was over, I was called to read the poem written by Maggie the poetess of Malaysia. In the sight of the Bishop and other distinguished guests, Sisters, Brothers, Priests and family members, I became a little nervous. I did not know how many would understand our terms like internet, emails, and sites. I prepared a brief summary of our relationship (worldwide) with Bro.Arockiam and began to read the poem written by Maggy, with inputs from me.
Thereafter the Jubilarians responded to the greetings they received. Bro. Arockiam in his message, referred to an incident. A Bishop was addressing a gathering of Religious Brothers. At the end of his speech, a little boy of six stood up and asked the Bishop, 'Your Lordship! When are you going to become a Brother?'
We may dismiss it as childish prank. But children usually speak the truth; Brotherhood is not in titles or positions of the Church. But it is a symbol of life to be lived and love to be shared. Though 25 years have been rolled like 25 days in the vineyard of the Lord, Brother.Arockiam wondered if he is really a Brother to all people in the world, the poor, sick and downtrodden. The day he stoops to help and relate to the really poor, beggars, lepers and marginalized, he will know that he is really a Brother to all in the footsteps of Mother Theresa of Calcutta.
Brother Arockiam, Go ahead - Be a Brother - we'll support you and pray for you.
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