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Between July 3 and 28 a summer camp was held in Blaj
for disadvantaged children, aged 8-14. More than 60 children, accompanied
by 8 counselors, put on skits from Gospel parables. They engaged in
contests on general culture, arts and crafts, music and dance, games, and
outings. The camp ended with a party where relatives and friends were
invited to see the fruits of this labor. The camp went well even though
many of the counselors were involved for the first time.
Here are a few of their reactions:
Roxana Joldes, counselor for the games and outings, said: "Up to this year,
I took part in the summer activities as a simple participant. Being a
counselor is different because it means learning how to take
responsibility for a group of children. That wasn't very hard because most
of the time they were quite well-behaved. I am much more aware now of how
important team-work is."
Maria Maier, counselor for music and dance, added: "I saw a lot of joy,
but also a lot of suffering during this experience because at the
beginning the children were very individualistic but little by little they
changed. They began to talk to each other and friendships began to be
forged. I am
more aware of how much patience, good will and trust, etc., one must have
to help others. When it came time for them to perform, I saw the joy on
the faces of children and relatives alike, happy for the experience they
were having."
Alexandra Chertes, counselor for arts and crafts, followed: "I'm happy we
were able to have this experience because it helps children to work with
one another, to take care of one another. I really liked the opportunity
to show them what is right and to engage in what is beautiful in their
lives."
Lucian Borcea, another counselor for music and dance, emphasized that for
him "the experience was very interesting." The only thing he regrets is "that
it came to an end." But he consoled himself with the hope that "next year
he can do it again."
 Cristina
Rus, counselor for theater and contests of general culture, said: "I was
glad to participate in this event. I saw how happy the children were
experiencing everything and forming new friendships. It seems to me that
the various activities they are offered help them to develop their
personality. Thanks to the teamwork and to the assistance offered by the
counselors they learn to work better together."
Like last year, the diversity of the participants reflects well the
religious (Orthodox, Protestants, Latin-Rite and Greek-Rite Catholics) and
ethnic (Hungarians, gypsies, Romanians) diversity of the context in which
we live.
Pilgrimage to Carbunari
The pilgrimage on August 15 to Carbunari directed by the Assumptionists
drew nearly 400 participants who came from all the Greek-Catholic dioceses
of the country. It has become a tradition that during this pilgrimage,
dedicated to Our Lady of the Poor, the Metropolitan Lucian Muresan attend
and ordain one or two priests. This year he ordained a priest, Chereches
Filip, who was sent to the Greek-Catholic mission in Brussels.
Ionel Antoci |
