YOUNG MISSIONARIES VISIT MERRIVALE

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Scritto da Samuel-Francis Onyango, IMC

Venerdì 03 Settembre 2010 00:00

The one place they could not leave South Africa without visiting was Merrivale theological house. Even though a visit to the seminary was not inscribed in their three months program, the young missionaries who are undergoing their renewal course in South Africa gave all the possible reasons as to why the seminary was a ‘must see’ place. Merrivale seminary is one place that many confreres would like to visit. It is unique in itself because apart from being one of the latest openings in the institute, it is also the only theological house that runs a parish and of course the only formation house in a delegation.
When they finally made their way to Merrivale on 28th August 2010, the excitement that their presence brought was not just about them making history as the largest group of confreres to have visited the seminary at the same time, but also because they were bringing with them a wealth of their missionary experience which is crucial for every young person in formation.
The African culture has taught us that nothing is more heartwarming than receiving visitors. And it is even more gratifying if the visitors are not only confreres but also people who have followed the very path that we are preparing ourselves to follow. As the African proverb states, ‘what an old man sees sitting, a young man cannot see standing.’
During their two days visit, Fr Cassiano took them to various religious places among them the Marianhil monastery and the cathedral; they also visited Phezulu cultural site. In addition, their presence at the parish during the Sunday liturgy was itself impressive. The Sunday Eucharist was presided over by Fr Ugo, concelebrated by 19 priests while Fr Adeka gave the homily. In his homily, Fr Adeka stressed more on the need for us to humble ourselves before God and before our brothers and sisters. Being a Bible Sunday, he also invited the Christians to learn how to find God in bible.
The climax of their visit was when we gathered together for a family banquet at the house. Seeing the young missionaries most of whom have been in the mission for over ten years singing and dancing, making fun and laughing was not only a challenge for us but a great inspiration too. Their vitality, their vibrancy and their humour was a clear indication of how happy and joyful they are as missionaries.
It was a great honour for us to get such a rare opportunity and spend some quality time with them (some of whom had been pioneers themselves). Knowing that destiny can be like weather, that at one moment it can be shinning while the next moment it can be raining, they stressed that courage and perseverance are the essential tools for success.
Their visit also offered us the opportunity to meet the missionaries whom we have never met before and also to re-bond with those whom we have met in the past. Merrivale community wishes them God’s blessings as they re-fuel themselves for the mission ahead.

Ultimo aggiornamento Giovedì 02 Settembre 2010 07:59