Getting closer the Dolours style!

Bernard F sdb

Forty four parishioners rolled into the bus early Sunday morning (29^th April 2012) – some lost their way even before the journey began!  We were on a trip to Kharjat, yes, you guessed it right – for the much awaited annual picnic.  The young (a handful of them) and the old, the genteel and the rugged, the crooners and the conductors.... they all played their part.  The unusual silence of the Mumbai streets was disturbed by the noisy rumble of the bus carrying the picnickers from Our Lady of Dolours, Wadala. 

A near two hour drive brought us to the destination – the Pinewood Resort at Kharjat (Ave and Savio, our own parishioners were our proud and generous hosts).  A well animated Eucharistic celebration set the tone for a lively and enthusiastic participation at the remainder of the day’s program.  Mass over, a rush to the cafeteria for the morning (delayed) breakfast was there for the asking!  A quickly arranged meeting with a well planned agenda, and a group activity to suggest creative ways for a responsive SCC kept one’s mind (at least momentarily) away from the tempting cool and refreshing waters of the swimming pool.

The next stop – the swimming pool.  There was a sea of people at the pool – three groups from all over Mumbai were destined to meet in this pool! Our own parishioners fell for the inviting thrills and frills of the pool – a few of course ensconced themselves in the armchairs in the bungalow nearby, and preferred to watch the theatrics in the pool as also the revellers at the rain dance from an arm’s length. Water polo, ball juggling, head bashing – the bald heads were the preferred lot! –improvised dance sessions in the pool and outside of it, were but a few of the entertaining sessions in the swimming pool.

After a quick wash, the group were back to a sing-song cum dance session in the veranda of the bungalow reserved for us.  Every available space was utilized to sway to the music provided by our very own rock band – if not for the balustrades, the celebration may well have spilled over to the edges of the swimming pool, nay, the swimming pool itself! Before long (mind you it was close to 3 pm), it was time to line up for our afternoon meal.  The tasty meal provided just the right ingredients for a short siesta, though some did not mind another dive into the swimming pool.  Two rounds of housie kept everyone spry, and the vicissitudes of this game added that extra fillip to the post lunch session.

Quick tea was served, and there we were – back in the bus for the return trip to Wadala, Mumbai. Of course, not before each one of us had the time of our life (together)! I for one thought that the trip back home would be a quite one – at least that is what my normal experience has been – but it was not to be!  The crooners and the musicians continued from where they left – before alighting from the bus at Kharjat.  They were intent to have a great time – and that they did!

Trust that this experience has brought the parish team and the council, together with the core members, closer to one another for a better collaboration and a fruitful ministry.  The journey is long. May be our paths will cross, maybe not. Happy memories though will remain for long!