A Simple Time: "The lack of reverence is a specific defect of our...

A Simple Time: "The lack of reverence is a specific defect of our...: At Fatima (1917), Our Lady said that, "Certain fashions will be introduced that will offend Our Lord very much." Sadly, such fashions may b...

70 years...

The convent I currently live in and Children's Home in our premises, celebrated our 70th Anniversary last Saturday. There was a really big celebration organised by the staff of the the Home. All who used to live there, staff and affiliates and various VIPs were invited for Mass followed by a concert, performed by the children who are currently in our Home. It was a really big and impressive affair that concluded with a 'marketplace' where free food was served. 


I was there... helping to serve at the 'kachang puteh' and 'putu maiyam' stall.  I totally enjoyed serving people our local delicacies, yet what I cherished more was the interaction with the people who came by the stall with a big smile and a joy that showed how 'at home' they were. Their 'shining' faces was priceless gift that will always be in my memory.


I have not literally served in the Home as most of my ministry takes me to different parishes but just being there gave me a sense of the reverence that those who had passed through this Home felt.  A number of the 'oldies' came up to tell me of their personal history; of their being a part of the Children's Home.  My lack of history became a 'plus' as it allowed them to happily share theirs and listening to them was a joy indeed.


The most interesting stories I heard were shared by three old boys [now in their 60s] who were very obviously delighted at being a part of this celebration. They joyfully shared about how 'clever' they were and how they got  'punished' by the nuns who never seemed to know how to deal with their naughtiness.  They were like bright lights as they happily re-lived their naughty boy days and regaled stories of how, despite the punishments they were happy with their pranks.  Their eagerness in sharing and their in joy meeting the now elderly Sisters was truly a beautiful and enriching sight.


It was truly a memorable day. Our prayers that the fine weather would hold out seemed initially threatened as dark clouds gathered at the start of the celebrations but the prayers prevailed and we had a nice day! There were showers of blessings as the celebrations came to a close and a silent prayer of thanksgiving went up from many hearts.

"Thank you God, for the abundance of blessings we have received in so many ways... our gratitude will never measure up to the magnanimity of your love and so we continue to offer you our frail lives and that of those whom we seek to serve in your Name." Amen!