The Arnoldians’ Meet 2016, the gathering of the Divine Word Missionaries, was held at Divine Word Seminary, Pune from 18th to 20th of April 2016 organised by the province Justice and Peace and Integration of Creation committee. The meeting was inaugurated by Fr. Paul Vattathara, Provincial Superior. The theme of the Arnoldians’ Meet was ‘Celebrating Plurality’, in which, thirty four children from three schools and three social centres/missions in INM (India Mumbai) province participated along with teachers/staff.
The purpose of the Meet was to bring together children from different cultural, social, and religious backgrounds to make them aware of the richness of our cultural and religious diversities and to provide a platform to the rich as well as poor children to live together and dialogue with each other.
Quoting St. Joseph Freinademetz, Fr. Provincial, during his inaugural address urged the children to become individuals who speak ‘the language of love’ and inspire their friends and classmates to form a society of love. Mr. Chandrakant Bhosle, social worker and trainer dwelt upon the main theme. He helped the children to understand the importance of respecting the diversity of the people of our nation. Fr. Sony CMI, Principal, Christ college, Pune conducted a session on becoming a well balanced person with good orientation in life. The children were given an over view about St. Arnold Janssen, society of the Divine Word, India Mumbai Province and our various apostolates and activities. Lessons on non violence, unity, sharing, hard work, team work, food wastage etc. were given with the help of games, audio visuals and group discussions. Fraters from Divine Word Seminary conducted various group games and arranged all the logistics required with the help of the staff. The Meet was concluded with a study tour to Shaniwar Wada Fort, Tribal Museum, Aga Khan Palace and Yerwada Jail.
All the children and the accompanying staff/teachers expressed that they enjoyed every bit of the Meet and the perfect ambiance of Divine Word Seminary. The organizers also feel that the outcome of the exercise was very encouraging and therefore, it is worth organizing every year.
Mathew Korattiyil, SVD.
JPIC Coordinator, INM
Fr. Paul Vattathara, Provincial Superior and 3 others Divine Word Missionaries in India Mumbai
