Wednesday, May 31, 2017

Memories that I will cherish of Bajpe - Br Leonard Lobo



Memories that I will cherish of Bajpe
For us Christian Brothers,our 40 years association at St. Joseph’s Junior College,is a graced period in the history of our Province. We have been the greater beneficiaries of this partnership in so many ways:
·        The faith and generosity of so many parents who encouraged their sons to follow in the footsteps of our Founder will a timely reminder of their wonderful trust and confidence in us.
·        The constant support and encouragement of every Parish Priest and all the Assistants.
·        The commitment and deep abiding interest of our Colleagues on the Staff of St. Joseph’s Secondary School and Junior College to the welfare of our young students.
·        The thousands of promising and friendly young men and women who brought energy and  enthusiasm into our interactions with them during their passage through school
I arrived in Bajpe to fill in for Br. Wilfred during his absence when he was chosen to attend a Spirituality Course in Rome. It was so easy to be won over by the goodness and genuineness of the staff and the cheerful students. It went along way to lay a solid foundation for relationships which have over the years grown in strength and respect.
A memory of Bajpe that I will always cherish is associated with my zero knowledge of Kannada and the fact that I had only a smattering of the ‘goan brand’ of Konkani.In spite of this seeming limitation, meeting and engaging in conversation with the people of Bajpe was always a happy experience. This fact is further amplified by the frequent encounters that our Br. ElphegeMcLoughlin had in the market place with Mrs.D’souza, Br. Charles’ mother. Brother was like myself was severely handicapped by language whileMrs.D’souza did not follow a great deal of Brother’s Irish flavoured ‘english’, yet they greeted each other very warmly and continued to engage in the most animated of conversations.Clearly establishing the fact that genuine goodness overcomes every obstacle.
Over the years I have had many occasions to revisit Bajpe and renew my associations with the Priests in the parish, our supporters among the Catholic Community and the dedicated Staff members who have over the years nurtured and developed the character and reputation of St. Joseph’s Junior College. To them ALL we owe a Great DEBT of Gratitude. May God Bless them and hold them forever in the palm of His Hand.

BRO LEONARD LOBO,
Province Leadership Team and Former Regional Leader,
New Delhi

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