"THE AUGUSTINIAN" April 2002

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I visited Tahanang Mapagalinga at the invitation of Sr Nicete who works at the home in between lecturing in Scripture at the Jesuit Theologate and the East Asian Pastoral Institute, as well as her normal work at the Mother House of her Congregation. Nicete warned me before we arrived: "They don't have much contact with males, so they'll be climbing all over you." And that's exactly what happened. Julius, a married man with two children who is a driver for the Convent, and I were mobbed by the children after they overcame their initial shyness of me. Julius is no stranger to them and is affectionately known to the children as "Big Brother". I was quickly dubbed "Grandfather" and treated like one - sitting there with one "grandchild" draped around my neck, others in each arm and two sitting in my lap.

They sang and danced for me, showed me their homework books and related what they had been doing at school. But after each little burst of "show and tell", they inevitably came back to give me a little hug, or to sit close to me. Some of these children had been abused in one way or another, but after an initial trust was established they quickly demonstrated their affectionate natures and their need for the affection of other people.

Later on, we shared dinner. Little Christian would not come to the table. I asked why this was so, and was told that because he was the only boy in the group (and the youngest child) he was looking for more attention. Eventually, Sr Rose went over to him and persuaded him to take his place at table. He did so, at first reluctantly, but then dived into his food like the rest.

When the time came for me to return to the Mother House, the children all bade me goodbye with a hug and a kiss. Stacey whispered to me: "Come back again, please." "Yes, I shall", I replied. And that is one promise I shall try very hard to fulfil.

(If you would like to assist the Augustinian Sisters in this particular work, please contact Sr Gavina at St Augustine's College or Sister Josie at St Kieran's, Manly Vale for further information)

What is WYD about?

World Youth Day for me was the most amazing spiritual and personal journey that I have ever embarked on. It was a chance for the youth of the world to gather together as one to profess and live our faith, and to get to know God on a personal scale. This pilgrimage journey took us to Toronto, Canada to share a week of catechesis, spiritual growth, international friendships,ending with a mass with Pope John Paul II.

My reasons for going were to further my faith in God, and to share my faith with others from around the world. Not only did I achieve this, but I also came home with God as a major part of my life. I have felt Godout of the lovingand hearts ofme, and I have a new and refreshed faith and friendship with God.

If it hadn't been for the kind sponsorship from my school, St Augustine's College, and my parish of Sacred Heart, Mona Vale,

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