Novice Master?s Farewell Day as he leaves for home leave!
After the first profession on 17th November, 2007, our Master of Novices, Brother Norbert Mwila had been looking forward for a period of a small break home. He consulted Brother Lawrence, our Provincial on how to arrange for home leave as the formation work needs a master or members of staff to be 24 hours present with the novices. The Provincial pushed the ball back to him, telling him that it was an internal matter and it could be arranged when it can be appropriate. We gave him the priority. As he had to attend the Provincial Chapter he postponed to later date. When Brothers Antonio Sanasana and Arcanjo offered him to go together by road from Quelimane, he jumped at the opportunity as it would enabe him to visit the place he had known through hearsays. That is how he continued with his holiday plan. It was as simple as ABC and we all concurred with him. It was like killing two birds with a stone. That was what I used to tell the newly professed as practical intelligence which Champagnat our beloved Founder frequently used.
As usual when a chief leaves the village he has to give pieces of advice to the subjects in case they misbehave taking advantage of his absence. For the words to penetrate well you have to demonstrate as you can see his stretched arm while holding firmly his meal with the other hand.
To us who leave with him, we find him simple, friendly and has a contagious smile, especially more visible when he says, ? muito obrigado ate? logo!?
What he had said in terms of pieces of advice surprised me because all the novices nodded and repeated like what the Israelites did to Joshua, ?All that you have said, we will do and we will take your advice literally!?
I said to myself, having a break once in a while helps especially when one works in the formation house. The chewa says, ? Pamodzi modzi padawoletsa dzungu? literally meaning the same place made the pumpkin get rotten. We need change of activities if we are going to be effective in our ministry. Brother Norbert thanks for taking the initiative and we assure you that once you join us again we shall follow your footsteps. Yes, Jesus too after working so had, he used to go to lonely place to relax and get momentum with his disciples. Whoever inverted holidays is a wise man or woman and we will be wise if we take it seriously in our busy apostolate that drain a lot of energy from us. Please convey our regards to our old dad, your blood sisters and brothers and friends. Our prayers will follow you so that you come back safe and sound. Boa Viagem!. Union of prayers.
Feliz Natal! Boas festas de proxima Ano 2008! We repeat your words, ? Muito Obrigado, ate? logo!?
Simeon Banda, fms