BIS #1578 GUARDIAN ANGEL'S DAY IN DIVYADAAN

Mylin Noronha sdb
NASHIK, OCTOBER 5, 2009:
The community of Divyadaan made sure its guardian angel - Br. Leon Cruz Ratinam, really had a splendid Guardian Angel’s Day on October 2, 2009.

He was welcomed home from the first session of the Provincial Chapter with a decorated room, notice board and loads of prayers and greetings from his beloved community. However, the real celebration began with the Holy Eucharist in the evening, which was presided over by Fr. Valerian Pereira. In his homily, Fr. Valerian shed light on the origins of how Don Bosco came to conceive the idea of an animating presence among the boys which would go on to be a characteristic of his preventive system. He compared the Salesian assistant to the ‘eye’ of the community, under whose watchful observance one is rest assured of the well being and good functioning of the community. His homily concluded with the prayer that every Salesian may find joy in being present among those entrusted to his care and thus, be strengthened in his vocation.

Apart from an extremely well animated and meaningful celebration of the Eucharist, the brothers also ensured that the entertainment was not left out. After supper, a family circle was organized in the honour of the assistant. The family circle began with the Vice Rector Fr. Robert Pen, recalling past memories of Br. Leon when he was just a simple yet, helpful young Parishner of Don Bosco Parish, Nashik. On behalf of the community, Fr. Robert thanked him for not only sharing his expertise, especially in the field of computer technology, but more importantly for being a silent, yet efficient worker in the community. The brothers expressed their gratitude and love for Br. Leon in song, enactment and words. In the address, Br. Leon’s qualities of being a good teacher, assistant, formator and Salesian were compared to the guardian angels’ qualities of enlightening, guarding, ruling and guiding. The family circle ended with the ‘good night’ by Br. Leon who with a help of a simple allegory, exhorted all to overcome unnecessary fears and trust in the Lord, who will help us surmount all obstacles.

Indeed, the community of Divyadaan has been blest with a guardian angel in the form of Br. Leon. His good example and hard work will enable many of the brothers to follow in his footsteps and be true guardian angels to those entrusted to their care.