Happy Anniversary, Christopher, the Donkey.

My Dear Christopher the Donkey,

Today marks the first anniversary of our friendship and I am grateful to God for bringing you into my life. It has been a year of faithful friendship and I cannot but savour the sweet memory of the time we have been together spiced up with few bitter experiences. I remember the joy your arrival brought to me after waiting expectantly and impatiently for you and Oh! Our first ride, how smooth it was and that silent sound you made. You were blessed that very day and commissioned for the task for which you were bought. I can still recall vividly in my mind’s eye, my colleague handing your keys to me and asking me to take good care of you. Yea, this I believe I have done faithfully and you in return have never failed in your duty to send me where ever the people of God are. To the surprise of all who were present I introduced your name. I had thought of naming you “Cecilia”. Why that name? I do not know, I just wanted that you have a name to show how dear you are to me and the ministry you will help me in. Mum Martha, however suggested that I name you after St. Christopher, because he is the patron saint of travellers and since you are a means of transport for my travels for opus Dei, we would need the intercession of St. Christopher. Good suggestion. Thus the name, Christopher, the Donkey. The Donkey? Yes, the Donkey, because like that meek mule carried Jesus triumphantly into Jerusalem to lay down his life for humankind so would you be taking me, a humble servant of the Lord to people of God to lay down my life in service to God and to his Church. This you have done dutifully in this past year and I am grateful. My dear Christopher, I know I had pushed you to your wits ends sometimes. I feel it too but I couldn’t help but make you go through it for we must not fail the people we are to serve. There were occasions when we reversed roles. Instead of you carrying me, I virtually had to carry you out of the mud. It was energy draining but fun. We were once given a heavy pounding by the rain. In all, you have been a faithful friend and companion in the service of God. On this day I am thankful to all who made you possible- my colleague Mass Servers, Mum Martha, and others. It is my prayer, however this day that we part company soon. But until then, may continue to be the faithful aid you have been to me. Happy Anniversary, Christopher, the Donkey.