Religion course: “Saints, friends of children” (the 10th of November 2023)
At the last lesson of the religion course “Saints, children’s friends” (a meeting on Zoom) attended by many children and teachers, two notable….Livia Chirilă and Gabriela Mandici and, as Ecaterina said, a guest to whom our hearts have clung since we first saw him: Fr. Nicolae Tanase – of the Pro Vita Valea Plopului Social Center.
A Father with 434 children who conquered us with the simplicity, beauty and love. The children felt at ease and bombarded the Father with questions: how did it all begin? How did you come up with the idea to take care of children? Can you remember each child’s name? How do you manage to sleep when you take care of so many children? How do you pray to God? How do you go about feeding so many babies? How can we thank God for all the miracles He brings into our lives? Maya, amazed by everything she found out, even wanted to find out if the Father was happy! Fr. George Bliortu, also present at this meeting, told us that he was very happy to see that no child could bear to leave and that they did not stop asking questions – beautiful, innocent questions, questions that only a child can ask!
Father Nicolae responded with great patience to everyone and so we learned many wonderful things about the children from Pro Vita. Daria and George were very impressed by how the Farent can take care of so many children. They were amazed by the amount of food/stuffed cabbage rolls prepared for the meal and were surprised by the fact that these children do not watch TV as much as they want, but only as much as they should, after they have done their homework and washed! Stefan from Brăila marveled when he saw how the Father went with the children to the sea and played with them in the water. The children found it very exciting how baptisms take place at Pro Vita, in a pool that holds 3 tons of water!! Our girls who play football were happy to find out that the girls from Pro Vita also have a football team, and that Father goes to the children’s football matches. David Podaru was even wondering if it would be good for the Father to organize a football championship because he has so many children. Father promised that they will think of a solution together when he comes to Glasgow in two weeks!
Mrs. Gabriela Ion, a children’s religion teacher from Brăila, from the “Fanus Neagu” School told us: “The meeting with Father Tanase amazed us deeply because we had the opportunity to know the wonderful work he has been doing with and for children with such dedication for over 30 years. We were fascinated by everything he told us, the words went to our hearts because they came from such a big heart, in which hundreds of children fit.”
Madalina, present at the meeting, told us with emotion: “I admit that I did not know Father Tanase, but after tonight’s meeting, he immediately entered my heart. He is a man rich in mind and soul, a wealth that he gladly shared both with the children in his care and with all of us. I was moved by the presentation video and I would like to be with these souls that the Father takes care of so much. I didn’t feel time passing, I laughed when the Father made a joke, I cried when he told about the lack of parents and grandparents in the children’s lives, I appreciate him for everything he does and for everything he shared with us! Thank you, Father! For your time, for your patience, for this wonderful meeting, we and the children are grateful to you!”
Last night we had hardly parted from Father Nicholas when we began compiling our list of questions for November 26, when Father Tanase will be the guest of our school and parish!
