Invitation to a free concert and get-together
5 Feb 11
Members of the Kangaroo Valley Remexio Partnership (KVRP) are currently hosting the priest of Remexio, Padre (Father) David for a period of four weeks.
During his time here the group has been gaining invaluable knowledge about the realities of life in Remexio and the outcomes of our various assistance programs.
While Kangaroo Valley residents have been able to help Remexio materially, we now feel privileged to host this fine human being.
He is a humbling example of how to live a truly good life.
Padre David is spiritual Father to 11,000 people, many of whom live several hours walk from his parish residence in the main village of Remexio.
When roads are impassable, as they often are, Padre David goes on foot.
As well as his priestly duties, Padre does many things towards raising the standard of living in his community, such as maintaining a demonstration fish farm, distributing rice to the destitute and teaching English to secondary school students (since the death of the only English teacher).
He is very committed to education as a way forward, for girls as much as boys.
He sees our current solar lighting program as working well and being extremely beneficial for the whole community, for many reasons.
Such is his workload that he rarely has more than five hours sleep a night.
We hope that his time in Kangaroo Valley will allow him to have some “time out” but it's clear that the needs of his people are never far from his mind.
Padre David says that he has been inspired by the workings of our own Kangaroo Valley community, especially its goodwill, co-operative spirit and creativity.
Although our “partnership” has existed for about eleven years now, in Remexio there has always been an air of mystery about “our Kangaroo Valley friends”.
On his return, Padre David's experiences in KV are likely to be the source of much entertaining conversation.
Whether or not you manage to meet Padre David before Saturday 5th, all are invited to attend the free concert in his honour, starting at 2 pm in the Hall.
As well as honouring our guest, the concert is KVRP's way of saying thank you to the KV community for its generous support over the years.
There will be opportunities to mingle during the concert - as well as (of course) afternoon tea.