Michael, the builder, chose August 20 2008 as the day for the blessing of the completed upper floor at Anbaham. It was a particularly auspicious day in India and was just right for this important event.
Mass was celebrated by Fr Arul, one of the Trustees of SARC, together with the parish priest of Muttom. By a wonderful co-incidence, Andrew Collingwood was able to be there and to represent all the friends and supporters of the Bede Griffiths Charitable Trust who have supported SARC from the beginning and who made all this possible.
The day was also celebrated by the ritual boiling of milk in the inner courtyard. The heating of milk and its sudden boiling over the rim of the pot is the tradition Tamil way of inaugurating a new place or a new ventre. The sudden and expansive way in which the milk boils over symbolises the overflowing nature of the love of God.
Of course the children were there with their mothers and the girls provided a programme of dance to make this whole day complete. Local dignateries such as the chairman of the panchyat were also there to mark their support for Anbaham.
The completion of the building is a magnificent achievement by Sister Selvi, Michael, Arul, the mothers, the children and all the supporters in Muttom.
And all is in only three and a half years since the tsunami!
