MISSIONS
		Although I found the year physically very tiring, it has been a tremendously valuable experience and I could not think of another place where I could have spent such a varied and rewarding regency.
			I leave feeling very contented, my heart full of memories from this strange new world. I was not in India as a tourist, rather as one who shared the life of the people, within the ordinariness and dignity of their daily struggles and joys. The simple life-style and confident faith has made a deep impression on me. The strong family unit and closeness between the generations have highlighted the real crisis in Europe as our family cells become so fragmented and alienated. In many ways the people here are in awe at western culture with its wealth and luxury, but we all know too well the emptiness that this prosperity can bring. India, for all its poverty, corruption and inequality can teach the West much about close family bonds, modesty and spiritual awareness. It will perhaps now take me a while to readjust to life back in my native culture! The main reason for my coming here was to help our students build the first few tentative steps of their vocation. I leave feeling most proud to have had some hand in the guidance of a group of students who, I hope one day, will give their lives to our Dehonian family as Religious and Priests to enrich and serve the Church of their own land but also ready to go beyond, wherever the Spirit may call them. Dave Marsden SCJ