A View from the Bus
Mike O’BrienAn edited version of this story is in the book.
Everybody ready? OK, let’s go! As I look back, many memories that best encapsulate the impact Cana has had on me include the Cana Bus. From major events to small tasks, the bus has helped me share experiences with people in the given moment. Let me take you on a few trips.
We’re heading north. Let’s pack our bags for a week’s retreat in Budgewoi. These are great getaways, where a bunch of Cana folk get away together (on the bus), and stay at a holiday house, soaking up a coastal break and a change of pace. I fondly remember spending time with volunteers from International Volunteers for Peace and people from Cana. We would eat fish and chips, have a BBQ or two, go to the beach, go fishing, feed the pelicans, watch movies and once we even took a row boat out on the lake at The Entrance. Great fun.
Another much loved getaway on the Cana Calendar is the time at Riverview College. My recollections from there are a general feeling of unguarded friendliness and warmth between community folk. It felt like we were on school holidays, except we were attending the school grounds rather than leaving them! Although there was always a lot going on, there also seemed to be space to share with individuals and get to know them a bit better. One image that sticks with me from one of these gatherings was seeing Hughie sporting a new soccer jersey. Upon closer inspection, it turned out the jersey had made its way to Hughie’s back from the clothesline of some neighbouring guests, who were a national girls’ soccer team. After some explaining to Hughie, and apologising to our neighbours, the smart jersey was safely returned.
With very different emotions, we’re off to a funeral. Cana funerals are beautiful, fitting, unforgettable, and have much to offer broader society about celebrating people. Frank’s funeral was particularly memorable. His coffin was draped in the Scottish flag, covered with a selection of his most prized items, and bagpipes rang out as the massive congregation departed. At a more humble level, was the funeral for Ray, who came to live in the community when he was very ill. Although not well known to the community, a strong desire and great care was taken to honour this man. What an honour it is to be present at such a moment in anyone’s existence.
Now I’d like to invite you to take one more trip on the Cana bus. This time I’m not driving. The bus full of Cana folk arrived for the baptism of my son, on a beautiful windy autumn day. My wife Liz and I were so glad to be joined by a group of our friends from Cana for Emmanuel’s sacrament, followed by lunch at the beach. It was so important to us, as Cana is an integral part of who we are. We have been connected with Cana as students, as young professionals, a married couple and finally as parents. We no longer live in Sydney, so active involvement is not realistic for us at this time. We do, however, hold Cana within us, and move through life being influenced by communities, and the many people we have met within them.
Now I’d like to invite you to take one more trip on the Cana bus. This time I’m not driving. The bus full of Cana folk arrived for the baptism of my son, on a beautiful windy autumn day. My wife Liz and I were so glad to be joined by a group of our friends from Cana for Emmanuel’s sacrament, followed by lunch at the beach. It was so important to us, as Cana is an integral part of who we are. We have been connected with Cana as students, as young professionals, a married couple and finally as parents. We no longer live in Sydney, so active involvement is not realistic for us at this time. We do, however, hold Cana within us, and move through life being influenced by communities, and the many people we have met within them.