Not long ago I was asked to lead a weekend retreat to a small group of committed young people of St. Petersburg. And they are really committed, because they belong to a group called "Militia Dei." Inform, counsel, advise, fight against sects, finally, who spend much time talking about God and helping others to distinguish what is good from what you just complicates life or damaged. Indeed, I came very well, but these people must be supported. Rather make them by the Church, and at the wrong time, then have them say no. So I consulted with the community, we arrange the Mass in English (it was commissioned by Fr José María Vegas) and I accepted the offer.
Since there was no house in St. Petersburg to meet, we had to go to Velikiy Novgorod. 180 kilometers of St. Petersburg. Not much, but the roads of Russia, unfortunately, are far from being what they are in Spain, for example. Do not fall asleep at the wheel, because the firm does not live up to its name, and often there are holes, holes and agujerazos. That's life, the mission is what you have.
went in two cars, because we were 6 people with me. In Novgorod we expect other 3 members of the group. The 2 nd driver was novel, with little time card, but he began to wheel and we pretty well. Despite leaving a bit late.
Why leave late? Because a girl was delayed. The reader may think that is normal, there's always some girl who is late, everyone who has organized anything in the parishes know that someone is always late. The excuses are often quite original, but this time, the explanation left me stunned. This woman was late because he had to reassure her husband, before going into training. Poor has a serious problem with alcohol, and this good woman, after much time devoted to it, decided to take some time for yourself and come to the retreat. To do so, had to leave locked up at home without keys. It ensured that would not fall into any corner, opening the head, were not going to steal money or mobile, it was not going to fight anybody ... It's hard having to resort to such extremes, but Sometimes you have to take serious decisions. And she did. I hid several bottles around the house, so that if the man wanted to drink, had to call and ask where were the bottles.
Anyway, we had a good weekend thanks to the kindness of p. Vladimir, who welcomed us in the parish of St. Peter and St. Paul. Shooting conditions were spartan, but when there is goodwill and a desire to meet God, nothing can stop a believer. Quick spent Saturday and Sunday, with participation at Sunday Mass included. I even met a guy from Peru, a medical student, I met some years ago in St. Petersburg, and still in Novgorod. It's a good person could not be otherwise, is called Alejandro ... Joking aside, I think we take the time, the group and me.
The worst what happened was this woman I'm talking about. Her husband called around to week, and did not answer the phone, or the fixed or the mobile. Poor long prayed for her and for him.
arrived on Sunday afternoon, and back home. After a quiet ride, with lots of rain and a stop for a drink, we get to the city. This woman asked me to accompany her home, just in case ... there we were, and when we arrived, thank God your husband was right. Had solved the task, he found the bottles, and so did not need to call. He was in a sorry state due to alcohol intake, but alive. My friend changed her face. I have seldom seen such sincere joy.
Why I write about it? Because, on his way home, I said that it might be difficult to live in a foreign country, speaking a strange language, being away from your homeland and your people ... In the end, said he admired me, myself and the priests and religious working in the city of St. Petersburg. She amazes us. She, who has spent years dealing with "miura" care, alcoholism of her husband. She, instead of abandoning them, as most people (and would have reason to leave), has decided to fulfill what he promised in his day, "in sickness and in health, wealth and ... poverty, till death do us part. " She who have to work for the two in order to succeed. She lives in very difficult conditions, because the crisis has also come to Russia. She is going to retirement, to put some order into his life and let God enlighten you in a difficult time. She looks up to me, that I have everything, I feel loved, I see I'm doing what God wants, where He will. I heard him, heard him saying he admired me, and I could not believe. Is that there are still good people.
many days I've been praying for this woman. And her husband. And many mothers, wives, grandmothers, who have to bear the cross of an alcoholic family. To feel the close presence of Christ, helping them to carry this burden. I ask that you also pray for them. To them if you have to admire them.
Alejandro José Carbajo, CMF
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