Wednesday, March 31, 2010
Friday, March 12, 2010
Antonio's Message 2010
Dear Lions,
Alastair Caisley, one of the “founding Lions” reminded us a few months ago that, this year, we are embarking on the 10th Lions Expedition. Certainly time appears to fly. Having spent so much time there over the years, we can say that we know the Pyrenees a little better and have even made a number of friends in those mountains and villages.
Last year was challenging on professional front: we relied on our families, friends and other Lions for encouragement and advice. Personally, I am grateful for the support I received during these testing times. For us men of faith, it is easier to cope with the various setbacks that life brings. Then, we go back into battle with the confidence that the One up there protects us and that our families and friends are support us.
Of course we are busy. It is the very nature of a Lion to be active. Three days away from one’s desk may be difficult if not impossible. In the knowledge that it is difficult, we are also aware of how much strength we obtain from these occasions, from that intense physical exercise and from the deep camaraderie. Thus, I for one feel considerable joy at the gathering of our brothers-in-arms at the foot of the Pyrenees.
Although physical training and fitness is taken for granted and not discussed while we are engaged in the “Triathlon of the Pyrenees” (canyoning, trekking and mountain biking), it is preferable to prepare by being as good a condition as possible. Do train before going!
As always, we count on the support of the families of the Lions before, during and after the Expedition; a sign of the times is that some Lions are considering bringing their sons on these expeditions. Soon, this will be a wonderful reality, thereby demonstrating our capacity for continuous development.
I finish these lines in the now customary manner: “Ave Caesar, murituri te salutam”
Best regards,
Sir Antonio Irastorza, (A Lion of the Pyrenees)
Thursday, April 9, 2009
2009 Antonio's message
Wednesday 13 May 2009 is round the corner; in the afternoon of that day the adventurous Lions of the Pyrenees will be meeting again around the barracks of El Poblado (El Grado) greeting each other.After twelve months since their last shared experience in the wilds of the Pyrenees, they will be looking forward to these days together.
As always it will be a great joy to hear from each other; news about family, work, etc. Sometimes it will be the joy of a new baby, other times maybe the death of a close relative; these joys and sorrows will be shared together and will give more strength to the unity of the” Lions of the Pyrenees”.
We know that life brings joys and sorrows, but with God’s help we convert everything into something positive and accept the difficult things as coming from Him. This year it has been rather difficult for many. Personal situations, the current financial crisis has made many loose their jobs or be uncertain as regards the future. We understand and suffer this, but we have to keep the calmness and optimism which is proper of a Christian who tries to see the hand of hand in everything that happens to us.
We are about to embark into another Expedition. As always I encourage you all to be prepare, but do not do excessive training, some have injured themselves by trying to do too much. Moderation men; just take it easy. I appreciate that some of you are like bulls who have been in a cage and want to run out quickly, but keep calm Lions, you can do it.
At the same time, do use the opportunities of these Holy Week and Easter period to do more exercise with your families and friends. Remember that the families are the motivation for all of us; we try to go back home after the Expedition with the intention to help more and to bring the smile to the faces of our families and those around us.As always we will miss some of the Lions, that for a variety of reasons (family duties, conflicting professional commitments, injury, etc) can not make it this year. Do not worry, we understand, you will be present with us, remember: “Once a Lions, always a Lion”. We will remember you in our different events and as we crown a mountain, a ravine, a canyon we will be remembering you so that next year you will be there with us.
I finish these lines thanking the families, and especially the wives of the Lions for their support in this now traditional venture.
Ave Caesar, murituri te salutam!,
Sir Antonio Irastorza
As always it will be a great joy to hear from each other; news about family, work, etc. Sometimes it will be the joy of a new baby, other times maybe the death of a close relative; these joys and sorrows will be shared together and will give more strength to the unity of the” Lions of the Pyrenees”.
We know that life brings joys and sorrows, but with God’s help we convert everything into something positive and accept the difficult things as coming from Him. This year it has been rather difficult for many. Personal situations, the current financial crisis has made many loose their jobs or be uncertain as regards the future. We understand and suffer this, but we have to keep the calmness and optimism which is proper of a Christian who tries to see the hand of hand in everything that happens to us.
We are about to embark into another Expedition. As always I encourage you all to be prepare, but do not do excessive training, some have injured themselves by trying to do too much. Moderation men; just take it easy. I appreciate that some of you are like bulls who have been in a cage and want to run out quickly, but keep calm Lions, you can do it.
At the same time, do use the opportunities of these Holy Week and Easter period to do more exercise with your families and friends. Remember that the families are the motivation for all of us; we try to go back home after the Expedition with the intention to help more and to bring the smile to the faces of our families and those around us.As always we will miss some of the Lions, that for a variety of reasons (family duties, conflicting professional commitments, injury, etc) can not make it this year. Do not worry, we understand, you will be present with us, remember: “Once a Lions, always a Lion”. We will remember you in our different events and as we crown a mountain, a ravine, a canyon we will be remembering you so that next year you will be there with us.
I finish these lines thanking the families, and especially the wives of the Lions for their support in this now traditional venture.
Ave Caesar, murituri te salutam!,
Sir Antonio Irastorza
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