Message from Fr. Oreste

Hi to everybody, happy feast, it's incredible, 25 years. When I landed it was a Sunday morning, the airport of Bangalore was completely empty, at the time there were four or five flights per day and then from there I went to the Sumaskan fathers and there started the adventure. Only three months later the first group arrived, among which our Sidon, Pravin and Martin and after that little by little we went on.

How changed this India? How changes our presence there? Now you are numerous, now you have all the perspective, at my time there was only the hope but then hope did not defeat us, because hope is one of the three theological virtues that speak about God and God has been accompanying our development during these 25 years. So recalling with a bit of nostalgia those wonderful moments, I recall also with plenty of gratitude to God that has accompanied us in spite of all our shortcomings and weaknesses. I recall the presence of those who have already abandoned us, Father Lawrence first of all, those who have left, I know that a couple of former students have already in heaven now, three maybe four, and I know how many people left the congregation, Father Laertio, Brother Christian, Brother Michael, people of the beginning, people who spent months work hard for many reasons left, Father Mariano the last one, with gratitude to them as well, each one has given a little contribution and I am sure that it will continue with your contribution now, it's not matter how good you are, it's not matter how many skills you have, it's only matter how generous you are and how much you trust in the providence and the providence will do the miracles for you all.

So happy feast, celebrate with joy, keep up the spirit and continue because India needs you and the congregation needs India. Bye.