CAFÉ 2005 has helped me understand a lot our movement in a better way. The sessions were planned in such a way to make us experience the methodology of YCS. The moment I realized the effectiveness of our methodology which is applicable for the smooth running of any organization, families, companies and so on I felt the joy of being an YCS/YSM animator. To be very frank I even felt proud to be an animator of this movement.
I like to quote here, the meaning given to the words ‘Animation’ and ‘Accompanying’ as they have become a real eye opener to me.
Animation means ‘giving life’ or ‘Bringing the students to life’.
Accompanying means,
“Not to evangelize, but to be evangelized
Not to convert, but to be converted
Not to lead and ask others follow, but to be led
To walk hand in hand …… side by side…… arm in arm”.
The realization of the two terms has changed my approach towards YCS members. It has also imparted changes in my way of teaching.
Before CAFÉ 2005, my understanding of Faith for YCS members is help them grow in it by conducting prayer services. But after participating in CAFÉ, it means that helping members to see life with eyes of God and reflect concretely on daily experiences critically and deeply.
Mostly in our cell meetings we discuss about social evils. But after participating in the session led by Rev. Fr. Mike, our International Chaplain, I felt that our activities will be fruitful only if we start from the real life of students i.e. from our personal experience.
During the sharing of movement reports, a few Asian countries expressed the constraints they face such as stress from Government, lack of sufficient chaplains and Animators, non co-operation of members, less number of members etc. Inspite of these constraints they work with hope. At that moment, I felt that we Indians are blessed as we don’t face such obstacles. So it is our responsibility to work for the growth of the movement with new spirit.
While sharing the global realities of IYCS and its accomplishment in all regions, Fr. Mike mentioned that a limited understanding of the movement is prevailing in Asian countries. So it is our first and foremost duty to take steps to understand the movement in a proper perspective.
The Asian team expressed that priority was not given for the movement in schools. So at this juncture let us dedicate ourselves and take active role to make the school authorities realize the effectiveness of YCS/YSM. With free mind I have taken the oath to live up the following:
1. I should be open to the questions of YCS/YSM members.
2. I should take efforts to give them reasonable answer.
3. I should create space for my members to speak.
4. I should observe my members in silence.
5. Before passing on from one action plan to another. I should spend time to check whether transformation has taken place.
I consider the participation in CAFÉ as a call given to me to transform myself and grow in the spirit of YCS.
I thank whole heartedly YCS/YSM India, our National Chaplain Fr. Peter and our National co-coordinator Sr. Jane for having given me the golden opportunity to take part in CAFÉ 2005.
Let us be informed, formed and transformed in the light of YCS spiritually.
Ms. Ramola Joe, Animator
St. Raphael School, Chennai.