Celebration and quotes from the host
families of the road January 12th
Toby Grill Basildon
Thanks
to an anonymous donation the parish in Basildon (Our Lady and All Saints) was able to host a
meal for the team and their host families. During the meal the lap
top was passed around and some thoughts were recorded by the host
families about the experience of hosting members of the road crew.
The results are below.
'this
has been a very moving and meaningful experience. The dedication and
hard work of the young volunteers is inspiring. A beautiful day' –
Maria Hartnett
'a
good presentation of a special life, giving meaning to young peoples
lives and the word is still being spread around the world, getting
nearer to his bicentennial year.' - Mick Hartnett
A
wonderful opportunity to host such wonderful and special people, may
they keep up the excellent work they do for young people. - Fina &
Daniel Neaves
An
honour to be involved and serve such wonderful and committed
individuals, for such a great memory and cause. Veena , Ross , Liam
and Daniel Callaghan.
Joe
Joseph & Sebastian always smiling! It was a real privilege to
share our home with you and you didn't even moan about our 6 dogs!
What lovely young men full of life and enthusiasm. Thank you !
We
had the great pleasure of the company of Josie & Katie who could
have quite easily have been one of our own! When young people show
commitment to a project that you yourself would think twice before
taking on and even then give a poor excuse not to do! you are pushed
into a situation where you have to look a little closer at your own
faith. We have learnt more about our own faith through Josie,Katie
and their dedication then they could possible know. We have shared an
experience. Thank you.
The
mass in Westminster Cathedral was particularly moving. With forty
priests concelebrating St John Bosco would have been justly proud of
the Salesian group and its young people who accompanied the relics.
It
was a humbling experience to be part of it all. We have loved hosting
two lovely young ladies in our own home.
Margaret
and James Fox
At the end of the meal
Gerry Kehoe, the event manager, spoke on behalf of the team with
gratitude for the way that they had gone out with energy and
hospitality to those who visited the relics. He also added that it
was as important to receive hospitality as to offer it. The words
were heckled and overwhelmed by cheers and “viva Don Bosco!” In
being welcomed in Basildon the team had been blessed and supported in
the sometimes gruelling task of being a road crew over long hours and
weeks. Gerry also spoke with great warmth about Fr Dominic's
commitment to young people and to Don Bosco.
Fr Dominic pointed out
that the whole experience had been an experience of church, of
welcome, self sacrifice and humour. After a short prayer and a
blessing he sent the group of for a long lie in and invited people to
return to the parish by midday Sunday.