Pictures tell their stories

This morning, I visited at the local school, a relatively small establishment (and this is a good thing). The size of the school means that staff, students and even visitors like me can get to know each other quite easily.

Today happened to be picture day so before the bell had rung to signal the beginning of classes, the photographers were in place, ready to record all the angelic faces for the sake of posterity. Unfortunately, I couldn't stay long enough to watch the lineups of students parade in and out of the gymnasium, where the photographic equipment was set up, but I did manage to meet a few of tomorrow's movie stars as they were primping and preparing for their big moment in front of the camera. It was amusing to say the least to watch as they coiffed themselves with great care, some with the coaching of their parents and some without.

While waiting their turn to visit with the photographer, I also had a few moments to spend with one of the classes who had apparently had a very interesting discussion about Jesus' first trip to Jerusalem. The questions that they posed of their teacher gave her pause, and she invited me to try adding a word of wisdom to the fray. In truth, it was good to get connected with these little ones. I'm not sure whether I unravelled some mysteries for them or created a few more canundra for them to consider. Time will be the best judge of that accuracy.

Speaking of pictures, there is word in yesterday's dispatches of a report coming from Cornwall, Ontario, the site of the Canadian Conference of Catholic Bishops' Annual Assembly, currently in progress. Points of interest include the fact that the Apostolic Nuncio to Canada (who is actually packing his bags as we speak, was there to address the gathered assembly with some words of farewell. Having lived and exercised his ministry in this country for the past eight years, it is perhaps fitting that he take a moment to reflect on this snapshot prior to embarking on the next leg of his journey which will take him to the City of Lights, and one of the 'Church's first daughters'.

Some of the pictures taken today will undoubtedly find their way into albums which will be prized for years to come. Others may end up in frames, or even gathering dust, lost behind a forgotten book, but the truth is that these pictures will preserve the memories of times spent in the early years of formation, times that these children will remember for the rest of their lives.