Jointly written by the Young Africans and Sr. Teresa Joseph, FMA
A group of seven young college students from Zambia got actively involved in the study of The Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete Ete Exsultate of Our Holy Father Pope Francis on the ‘Call to Holiness in Today’s World’. Hardly Sr. Teresa introduced the text, one of the youngsters spontaneously asked: can I have the text? She stretched her hands and said: sure take it. With a broad smile the youngster received the book.
To have an overall view of the entire text, the group carefully went through the contents. When asked on which chapter would you like to dwell longer? The answer came unanimously: In the Light of the Master. Yes, in the light of the Master, it was a feast to the heart to refresh memories, to refocus on Jesus who is at the heart of the Bible and to understand the beatitudes as the identity card of the Christians.
Let us have an evening talk said David and the group on that evening took time to discover how to enhance self confidence and to embark consciously on the path of holiness. On one fine morning Patricia asked: what time shall we meet? We are eagerly waiting to hear more on holiness.
The power point presentation on Pearls From The Apostolic Exhortation Gaudete Ete Exsultate of Our Holy Father Pope Francis on the ‘Call to Holiness in Today’s World’ did offer each youngster ample time to reflect, to raise questions and to share frankly. They were amazed to see the references made by Pope Francis. Just to mention a few: to the letter to Timothy, to parents and grandparents, to Bhakita, to the Bishops of West Africa etc.
From 16 May – 19 May, the group met at various moments in the spirit of eagerness and renewed joy to get to know more about how one can be holy. In one of the sessions, their animator interviewed the participants:
What do you say about Holiness, Sydney?
Every activity is holy and I would like to be alert to see what I can do for others and to place my talents and abilities at the service of other.
Margaret, we saw you ever attentive to learn more from Pope Francis’s call to holiness. How do you feel at this moment and what would you like to share? As you were explaining with the power point, I asked myself is it possible to be holy in this world today?
Yes, these days of study made me understand that it is possible to be holy today. I want to start a journey into holiness making God the centre of my life. Pope Francis is reminding us to live a holy life.
It is possible to live the Beatitudes. It is our duty to live a holy life cultivating positive attitudes, said Tobias.
The Pope is inviting us to focus on holiness because we can do this and when we are into it we learn to identify what is right and what is wrong. By offering much love to those who need it we can grow in holiness, opines Isaac.
David is very frank as he states: From the moment, Sr. Teresa introduced the book; the question in my mind was how can one become holy? Now I know it doesn’t matter the place or the situation, in whatever situation I am in, that is the privileged place for me to become holy. Our study together of this precious document has helped me to find an answer to my question: is it possible to be holy?
From way back the desire to be holy was in me and I was grappling with the question: how can I be holy and to know the answer to this query, I grabbed the book and I am happy to share with you that I found the answer. By being humble, kind and giving generously to the poor, stated Lawrence.
Patricia was busy throughout the sessions taking down points as she rightly puts it, in moments of silence she prefers to revisit her notes and enrich self. She is pretty sure that Pope Francis’s call to Holiness will help people to come closer to God. I am convinced she added: that wherever a community is gathered together to pray and share life, God is present there.
Margaret is convinced that the call to holiness is for everyone: no matter who you are and where you are, you have to be holy.
Margaret and Patricia are B.SC Microbiology students at Auxilium College Katpadi. Tobias, Isaac and Lawrence are specializing in BSC Mathematics, David is busy with B.SC Computer Science and Sydney has his hands on BSC Bio-Chemistry. They are Students of Sacred Heart College, Tirupattur.
During the summer holidays these youngsters are rendering voluntary service to the young people at Auxilium Convent Michael Puram. Sr. Clara Devaraj and community accompany as these young Africans grow in volunteerism giving their time and talent teaching Music, English and Computers.