Remmy D'souza
NORTHERN ARABIAN VICARIATE, APRIL 05, 2012: The shortest story, of the longest journey is that of the Prodigal Son. A right mess created by the prodigal son, helps us realize, no matter who we are, or how far we may go, if only we decide to return, we will find God our Father, waiting to welcome us with His arms open.
We are privileged to have the Salesians, in the Northern Arabian Vicariate, through whom, we are able to learn and experience new things in life. It is said "what water is to the body, music is to the soul".
It all started with a thought, from Rev. Fr. Francisco Pereira, to put up a musical play "The Prodigal Son", for the people, a perfect story, in this imperfect world, during the period of lent, where one is called to return to God, Our Father. No sooner was this thought expressed, sixty four members, from various walks of life, ranging from age, five to sixty, came together, from various parishes of the Vicariate of Kuwait and supported the idea. Just as every brick is layered carefully, a step at a time, during building of a house; so also, this play was being directed in stages, by Rev. Fr. Francisco Pereira, along with his team, comprising of the Assistant Director, Music Director, Dance Chorographers, along with the Makeup artist and those in charge of the Props, before getting the whole act together.
The making of the play was indeed a beautiful journey, and took approximately sixty four hours, new friends were made, Love was shared, sometimes even shoulders were rubbed, but at the end, a family was formed, where a son returned home.
Both the young and the old, like the prodigal son, would rush immediately after tuitions or work, for the practice, as they felt a sense of belonging, an experience which cannot be expressed in words. The involvement and joy was such that one did not realized how time passed by, and not before long, it was time, for the great day.
On March 16 and 17, 2012, the play was staged in the premises of Indian English Academic School (Don Bosco), Salmiya. The play was a he success and so at the behest of the cathedral parish priest and the youth, the play was once again staged in the cathedral on April 28, 2012. The play was well attended and appreciated by all. Despite, the weather not being on our side the second day, we did see a very good attendance.
Even today, the words of our Director, Rev. Fr. Francisco Pereira, rings in my ears, it's not about the performance on stage, rather living the story. He also stressed, if one is committed and strives to better one's self; all will surly fall in place. This statement also attributes to our journey of life.