Saturday mornings in the Post Novitiate are more lively than the other days, not because the brothers are high on caffeine, but because in the adjacent Savio field young people are running back and forth with their football. It is energizing to hear the shouts and laughter of these young sportsmen as they play their hearts out. What is called noise by grumpy old women is music to my ears.
They young people come early in the morning at around 6:00 as we are about to end our mass in the chapel. If I am not mistaken, they are members of the Schwarz Football Club here in Don Bosco Canlubang. Some Saturdays, high school members come as early as 5:00 in the morning to train. Their own determination and sacrifice has always challenged me to do better in my religious life especially when I fall into laxity and complacency.
It is interesting how I am able to draw energy from these young people. I think this is the blessing of the Salesian life, that as I spend my life for the young people entrusted to my care, their own energy and optimism replenishes mine starting a positive cycle.
Sports also has its educative aspect. I have seen the energy and effort those young men who come early in the morning put into their football drills. It teaches them discipline, perseverance, self-control, and many other values applicable to real life. I can relate because I have changed since I embraced sports when I entered the aspirantate. And this is a big challenge for me to be at home with sports so that I can give it to the young when my time for practical training comes.
As I type this short essay, I still could hear the shouts and laughter outside. I’m tempted to join them but I would stand out tall against a sea of small boys with their footballs.
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