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Grateful Moments

Br. Leo Max Thesong OFM

The springtime has come and now the rain has started showering the trees and plants so that they are blooming. At the same time the nation declared a lockdown and the people said it was the worst time to move around as uncertainty was prevailing. We all know where we must be working and we were not at the right place, so we must move to our destinations. Having spent some time at home for my holidays I left for the Assumption Parish in Chokihola, one of the parishes in the Diphu Diocese. I had a wonderful experience over there looking after the parish and the works that were being carried out there. Indeed, it was a blessing to my life to be there with different people of different beliefs. I enjoyed the company of the parish community and the workers with whom I kept myself busy daily.

The rain came and the place was flooded. The responsibility of maintaining the water level was given to me while doing these things. I was also busy clearing the old stuff from the go-down and selling them. At times I was left alone to look after the parish and the other works. I had to make decisions regarding things that took place during the working days. Things would change and I was put in a different environment but never did anything without the consent of the parish priest. I also had the opportunity to teach in the school. More than the teaching I learned things in the school from the students and the teachers over there. And when the school construction began, I had more weight on my shoulders. Sometimes the work demanded more time and energy; meals were delayed, there was less sleep etc. Well with all these experiences I had I am grateful to all who supported me and encouraged me to move on and face the difficulties and challenges. One thought that came very strongly to my mind was that however much knowledge we might acquire without humility we will never be able to impart nor practice what we have acquired for ourselves.

I am grateful for the experiences I had in Chokihola. The months went by with difficulties and challenges but I was not left alone, I received support and encouragement from the friars and the parish priest Fr. Vinod in Chokihola. These months of regency helped me to recognise the opportunities and the possibilities for my future ministry as a friar minor in the vineyard of the Lord. I also thank all the friars for the arrangements made to send me over there to experience life as a missionary among the people and live among them as one of them. These experiences were a great help in my journey in acquiring knowledge and in the growth of my faith.

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