Remember Lot’s wife (Luke 17:32)
As the elective chapter fast approaches, above all in the context of the ruby juby jubilee celebration of the life and presence of the Capuchins in Cameroon, brothers of the Custody did assemble for a spiritual exercise, a retreat, directed by Br. Francis Dor. This spiritual exercise took place at the Dominican Nunery Bambui, from January 8 – Januanry 12, 2022. Br. Francis, underlying the need of each friar making the custody his family, helped us to remember Lot’s wife. This, he drew from Jesus’ warning to his listeners, to remember what happened to Loth’s wife, how her disobedience made her turn into a pillar of salt. This was infact to help the brothers know, that they need to remember they are part of a family and must do everything to keep that family moving. This explains the reasons for which at this spiritual exercise, the director explored topics such as building authentic relationships, the call to holiness, a call to be friends to each other, a sense of belonging, topics which helped enriched the retreatants. We did not only meditate from Scriptures, but too from one of Dolly Paten’s pieces: Family
[Verse 1]
When it’s family, you forgive them
For they know not what they do
When it’s family, you accept them
‘Cause you have no choice but to
When it’s family, they’re a mirror
Of the worst and best in you
And they always put you to the test
And you always try to do your best
And just pray for God to do the rest
When it’s family
[Verse 2]
Some are preachers, some are gay
Some are addicts, drunks, and strays
But not a one is turned away when it’s family
Some are lucky, others ain’t
Some are fighters, others faint
Winners, losers, sinners, saints
It’s all family
[Verse 3]
And when it’s family, you trust them
And your heart’s an open door
When it’s family
You tolerate what you’d kill others for
When it’s family, you love and hate and take
Then give some more
Somehow you justify mistakes
Try to find some better way
To solve the problems day to day
In the family
[Verse 4]
You take the trouble as it comes
And love ’em more than anyone
Good or bad or indifferent, it’s still family
You choose your lovers
You pick your friends
But not the family that you’re in, no
They’ll be with you ’til the end
‘Cause it’s family
[Verse 5]
When it’s family, you forgive them
For they know not what they do
When it’s family
They’re a mirror of the worst and best in you
When it’s family
When it’s family
Let me be all that I should be to the family
At the close of the spiritual retreat, brothers in perpetual profession gathered for an assembly that took place still at the Dominican nunery on Friday, January 13, 2023 in order to prepare for the Chapter that comes up in April 2023 at Melong. Responsibilities were shared – the srutineers were chosen, the liturgical commission reinforced, the communication communication reinforced, the moderators and the secretaries too were elected. It was also a great moment to go over the Custody’s states of the Chapter which was detailed to the brothers by Br. Terence Sahven.
