We were just over with the 14th World Council in New Delhi, a proud moment for India to have hosted it, and of course really well. I was selected to join for a camp in Denmark too, that was a week after the council, so I intentionally stayed back in the city to explore and get ready for the camp. I am grateful to Fr. Alwyn and the other ICYM office member to allow me shelter at their ICYM Home in New Delhi. I stayed there and got a chance to also explore the ICYM headquarters. I had planned the week, which places to visit, where to shop and with whom to shop, begged God if he could shower me with a blessing of seeing a celebrity or a politician really close. It was fun managing everything myself away from home. Being in YCS as a member, as a DEXCO, as a NEXCO and then as the National Convener we used to go through the history at every stage, and revise the statute’s, there was one name that always was present in all our orientation programs, and thank you speeches, and that was of Sr. Jeanne Devos, our Foundress.
It was one fine day in the week that I was there in New Delhi, was rushing to complete a file work, before leaving office for shopping, when I suddenly heard Fr. Alwyn say aloud in the nearby cabin, “O what a surprise! It nice to see you here Sr. Jeanne”. That was it, the last two words that made me rush out of my cubicle and peep into Father’s chamber. There she was, a calm, somber, old lady; her hair neatly tied up into a bun, she looked coming right from a journey as she had quite a big bag with her. Her personality was amazing, she was Sr. Jeanne, the moment I saw her, all the pictures that I had ever seen of her in our files and presentations, just flashed across. It was the moment for me, to stand beside her, though I have a good height I felt quite small in front of her. The minute Fr. Alwyn spotted me at the door peeping in to take a look at her; he called me in, and introduced me as the former national convener. She just had to get my introduction and she pulled me by her side to appreciate and give a warm hug. We too didn’t have much to speak to each other; it was only the joy of YCS fellowship that covered our faces. Since she was there only for a very short visit she had to leave, but I made sure not to miss the opportunity and get a picture clicked with her. God really had heard my prayer and had allowed me a chance to meet a “Celebrity” a real inspiration. I still remember that smile had lasted on my face the whole day, and it still keeps coming every time I share our meet with my fellow YCSers. She’s a legend and I really don’t need alphabets or words more than used in her name to describe that.
I wish if not all, those YCSers who can should try and make it to stand beside her, and get a picture clicked, it’s really an honor.
- Suzan M. Topno, West Bengal