Solidarity of Christ Impels us!
The ways of the Lord are wonderful, and one never
knows what he has in store for us. Yes! It was a privilege for me to be part of
the AEYG+CF 2019, happened in East Timor from the 5th-11th
of August, 2019 in the Fatima Retreat Centre, Dare, Dili. It was overwhelming
to see the huge number of young people coming from 7 nationalities (East Timor,
Indonesia, Philippines, Korea, Macau, Taiwan and HongKong) and the Claretian
coordinators from CMF, RMI, MC and some other congregations who are mission
collaborators with the Claretian family. Around 125 young people participated in
this 5 days’ program.
I
arrived in East Timor on the 3rd. Thanks to my missionary formation,
that, from the day I arrived in Dili I felt at home. Few faces were familiar
and many are not, yet had a warm reception, care and support from whoever and
mainly from the AEYG steering committee. After a little rest and some necessary
preparations on the 5th moved to Dare, the venue for the gathering.
Dare
is a high mountainous area, some half an hour drive from Dili with a pleasing
weather. I felt so honoured with the beautiful traditional welcome given to me
and other delegates. I was representing the congregation, and at the same time
was invited to be one of the resource persons for the youth. Getting a chance
to come to this side of the world was never my dream nor expectation, yet I see
how the Lord plans and executes what he wants. Thanks to Him for using me as an
instrument to bring His message to the young people. If I have to summarize in
one word I would say it was indeed a pure blessing. All throughout I
experienced the goodness of the Mission Sender in every person I came across. Though
this was not my first time to be present in the AEYG+CF since I have an
experience of AEYG+CF, 2015 in Manila, I felt more enriched and belongingness, because,
this time my purpose of visit was to participate fully and to be present with
the youngsters all the time.
The
theme of this gathering was “Solidarity of Christ impels us: Go, Sell, Shareand
Follow” based on the Biblical text Mt 19:16-26; Lk 10:25-37). The talks,
sharing, activities and etc., all were in line with this theme and did justice
to each one’sresponsibilities.
It is
impressive for me to see the great dedication and energy spent in organizing
and executing this program. As well,
the collaboration of some other religious (not belonging to Claretian family)
and the great involvement of the laity is truly wonderful. Special thanks must
be said to the organizing committee.
I am
sure with this great experience and attention given to each and every one all
throughout the program, the youngpeople have carried a lot back home for their
lives and as well as to share and motivate other young friends of them in their
own countries and neighbourhood.
As Pope
Francis said “the young are not the future but the present” I do want to believe
that my contribution to the youth and others too will bear much fruit in their
vocational discernment and especially in making them as Missionary Disciples of
Jesus Christ in Solidarity with the Charism of Saint Anthony MaryClaret. At the
same time, personally, this experience is a learning which I carry with me as I
go back to my own and which I hope to share.
I am grateful to the General Government and the South AsianDelegation
of my Congregation for supporting me and granting me this opportunity in the
service of the Lord and for the East Asian Province of my congregation and the
Claretian Missionaries in ASCLA East for all the warmth and goodness through
welcoming and accepting me for this event.
May
all my rich experiences be for the Greater Glory of God.
Geraldine S. Eusabius, RMI
Pref.
of Apostolic Mission Claretian
Missionary Sisters South Asian Delegation
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