Father Angel was welcomed with a melodious welcome song by the youngsters of Bongaigaon College. The young from the different regions and tribal communities felicitated the Rector Major in their traditional ways. This diversity and cultural richness seen unified in the youth was the uniqueness of Northeast India and the RM thanked the students for their sacrifice and effort to reach for the interaction.
With the charismatic touch of Don Bosco, the Rector Major connected himself with the young people as he said,
“we met each other about a half hour ago, but I feel that I have known you for long as if I am a member of your college or institutions. Together with my fellow Salesians and the sisters, I feel that we are made for you when we are with the young.” “In your faces, I see the future of the region, and the time is for you dear young people because you are my priority,”
The following are the excerpts from the replies of the Rector Major to the questions posed by different students.
On Differences in the young people all over the world
The cultural diversity of India is marvellous, and different places have their uniqueness. Young people desire to develop themselves and have this opportunity to grow. This change is immense. Situations may be difficult, and some might lack opportunity, and we Salesians can provide the opportunity. Quoting Don Bosco he said, “There is a spark of goodness in the heart of every boy and every girl. That goodness has to be discovered and guided,” The RM said that he vouched for the truthfulness of Don Bosco’s statement as he has seen and experienced the same during his visits to many countries.
Advice to the Youth
“I assure you, we believe in you, young people. We are convinced that you have immense talents and potential.” Make the best use of this opportunity. You have to prepare yourself for life and the future. Keep in mind that you are not preparing yourself for work but for happiness. It is not enough to know to work in a particular field, but more important is the feeling you get in your heart that will help you to be happy in your life. He further said, “the choice you make will you to be happy or to destroy your life. This choice depends on you. Enrich yourself with the opportunities that you have.”
How to face and overcome fear
The Rector Major said, “After a sense of fear and anxiety comes a time of peace. Remember that God is above all and intervenes in the lives of people. We should not try to fulfil a role but be the person we are. Remember what St. Pope John Paul II said to the young ’Do not be afraid.’ You have great talents and capacities to follow the path of responsibility, hard work and sacrifice. The shortcuts to life may give momentary success but sooner or later falters.”
Mental health issues and the young
“There is an increase in suicides among the young. Experts tell us that it is because of very high expectations. The inability to accept and live with the difference between reality and expectation causes frustration. Remember that the reality of life is that of hard work and relationships. Pay attention to the fact that there exists a misconception that life is like a click with immediate results, but this causes frustrations. Have the desire to dream, to do and achieve something in your life and engage yourself with your strength and time towards achieving that dream. Then step-by-step construction of the edifice built from the base to the top and grow. Develop good relationships within yourself. Positivity will add to your goodness.” The Rector Major then encouraged the young to spend time in service individually or in groups to get a sense of satisfaction. He pointed out that wanting to keep oneself as the centre of life, that is, being egoistic, is at the core of the misunderstanding of life. “Egoism does not give you happiness but learning to give oneself to others does,” he said. “Life is about giving oneself. Those who think of themselves and live for themselves will live alone and die alone. Everything depends on the choices you make now.”
On discerning one’s vocation in life
The Rector Majorin his reply to a student who asked about how to discern one’s vocation, answered thus: “Vocation is not just working, but it is marvellous when work and the vocation are the same things. But, when it is not the case, then, you will be doing long hours of work with no joy or a sense of contentment but of suffering. It is not healthy to be continually suffering for the sake of salary alone.” He further said, “The answer to the question lies in the depth of the heart. What is our liking we cannot cheat ourselves? Living in a make-believe world would lead one to collapse. One day or another you will wake up and the deepest reality will come out one day and be evident. Adding the RM said, “Deep within something will tell that one is not happy or contented with what he/she was doing or with the current choice or with life in its present condition. So it is important to tell oneself the real feeling.”
Common Problem faced by young all over the world
“The inability to be on the stage or platform for which one has prepared himself/herself with hard work and with the gifts and talents in pursuit of one’s dream causes a lot of pain and frustration in the lives of the young all across the world.” He called on the young of the Northeast saying that this situation happens to many, but it should not discourage them. Giving the key to overcoming the frustration, he said, “We can and have to give the best of ourselves, work hard and have faith.”
On Dreams and hopes for education and prospects of policy for a new methodology in Salesian Education at the dawn of the new century
To the last question asked by an enthusiastic student of St. Anthony’s Shillong, the RM replied, “ We need to work towards being the best by giving the best and working hard, learning and overcoming the challenges we face. Continuing in the Salesian spirit of the family, avoiding mediocrity, and striving towards excellence not by working more but by giving the best of oneself is the path towards renewal and rejuvenation in the Salesian ways in the new century.”
The young minds had many more questions, but the lack of time cut short the interaction with the RM. Father Biju Michael SDB, Regional South Asia, translated from Italian and strengthened the bridge between the RM and the youth who bonded with the love of God and Don Bosco.
The youngsters enjoyed sharing the stage with the Rector Major as he sang songs and played the guitar.
Source: Don Bosco South Asia