'PROVIDED I AM ASSURED OF GAMES TIME.' Fr. Ronald Menezes sdb (Rector & Parish Priest, Don Bosco, Borivli, Mumbai)

I was born in a lower middle class family at Parel, Mumbai. Both my parents were working, my father, a mill worker and mother, in the railways. I was a day scholar at Don Bosco, Matunga.
As a youngster I dreamt of becoming either a pilot or a doctor. Since I was seemingly smart, my parents thought this was a possibility. Today I realize that God’s ways are not our ways. Ambitions apart, I was very fond of sports. I loved to play football and hockey. The sad thing at school was that only boarders were allowed to play on the grounds after school, so I didn’t get a chance. I was determined to get into a boarding, no matter which one, provided I was “assured games time”.
My elder brother was already in Lonavla so I too decided to join the same boarding in class VIII. When Fr. Alessi (of happy memory) came to recruit boys for Lonavla, I was interested. But my teachers discouraged Fr. Alessi from considering my name because I was termed mischievous. I don’t know what he saw in me but his words still ring in my ears, “Even though you are termed as a trouble maker, I am taking you to Lonavla”. Praise God for large hearted priests!
I thoroughly enjoyed myself at Don Bosco Lonavla; actually excelled in all activities - far beyond the expectations of my parents.
As I grew older, the desire to be a pilot or doctor faded. I began to ponder, “If the Salesian priests and brothers can do so much for me, why can’t I do the same for others, especially the poor.” I do not only mean the poor in the economical sense, but also the emotionally, psychologically and spiritually poor.
After I completed my PUC I went for my Novitiate and having completed the necessary priestly studies, I was ordained a priest on 22nd Dec. 1984.
I still wonder at the designs of God. My brother, who initially wanted to become a priest, is now the father of three children, and I who did not even think of the priesthood am on the verge of celebrating the silver jubilee of my Priestly Ordination.
The words of the Prophet Jeremiah ring in my ears, "Yahweh declares, Yes, I know what plans I have in mind for you, plans for peace, not for disaster, to give you a future and a hope" (29:11) Though we have our own plans God too has his plans for us. They may not be exactly what we have planned but they are always the best. It is important to discern God’s plan for us. What is it that I feel really called to do or to be in life? Our lives have a purpose, it is a short life. We need to ask God to open our minds and our hearts to do His will.

If you feel the call to be a Don Bosco Priest or Brother,
we could help: Contact us at frbrian@rediffmail.com