News and wishes from Fr Matthew

I am taking the liberty of reproducing here a mail from Fr Matthew to me:

hi ivo

greetings from shillong.....thanks for your blogs that keep us (non-resident nashikites) in the loop of the many wonderful things happening in nashik.....esp in the parish....

out here life is getting busier by the day.....presently i am on two classes a day - one course on sexual ethics and virtues (remember PTs pillows)....and bioethics......then when the latter gets over it will be time to teach the lay students a basic course on moral theology (that is a class of 7 students)....hoping it will serve as a launching pad for the more advanced course on fundamental moral theology next semester for the FYBth students.....

i was present yesterday at the ordination of one of the priests of the province studying in jerusalem.....it was a modest crowd of about 8,000 people (i am trying to be conservative - with the more ambitious talking about 12,000) and i was thinking to myself: "we kind of raise that number only for episcopal ordinations"....great atmosphere and organization totally done by the lay people.....today at breakfast with the fma novices they were telling me that the lay people handle most of the nitty gritty of 'secular aspects of the celebration' including raising the funds.....the entire group was fed and cared for.....liturgical matters were done well too....without too much fuss....

for the rest the community keeps hurtling towards the two youth fests - one for the khasi oratories and then one for the non-khasis.....interestingly some part of the funding is covered by the Ministry of Youth Affairs....then things are also getting ready for the big visit - RM will be here in early november for some major functions.....and with the kind of political clout the sdbs wield no stone is being left unturned to make it a great occasion....mike will be here too and ajoy is considering a visit too....

wishes and prayers for the community and all in nashik......fond memories remain.....