The content of One Name is the central idea of this essay 20 years ago.

It was 20 years ago, when I was a Franciscan monk stationed in New Jersey. I work with some Puerto Rican immigrants. They came to America to work, picking tomatoes for canned Campbell and vegetables for canned bird's eye. They picked most of the birds, rice, trees and berries you ate. Many of them came with their families, dreaming of earning enough money to build a house in their hometown of Puerto Rico one day.

That year was my first year in this parish, but Walter? Zhan Sen is the last year. He has worked in a canning company for 40 years and is about to retire. He has been the foreman of this factory for the past 25 years. He loves the people he works with, and everyone loves him.

Walter told me that there is a lively traditional activity in the local area ―― a trip home. Every year in 65438+February, 2000 Puerto Rican families in this parish get together once. Each family takes out 5 dollars (about the salary of a scavenger at that time), puts it in a jar, and then writes their names on a piece of paper. Then, everyone chooses a blindfolded person and draws one from those notes-the drawn family can use the money to go back to Puerto Rico to visit relatives and live happily for two weeks.

"Come and see our lottery tickets," Walter suggested to me. "I will introduce you to everyone."

Today, I still remember the ribbon fluttering on the rafters under the iron house, as if I could still smell the aroma of pasta and hear wonderful music. Posters of Puerto Rico tourism were posted on the wall, and people surrounded me and Walter, excitedly showing me their hometown. I can't help wondering, this is really the most beautiful place in the world!

At 3 o'clock in the afternoon, 5 yuan collected all his money. But before the lottery, the host called Walter and gave him a plaque in public to commemorate his hard work here and express everyone's gratitude for his care and love for many years. Everyone applauded warmly. Later, I was asked to take out the lucky house.

I was blindfolded and taken to a big jar. I reached in and grabbed a handful of notes, leaving only one in my hand.

I took off my blindfold and read aloud, "Walter? Zhan Sen! "

The cheers were deafening. People gathered around Walter, congratulating him and giving him a warm hug.

The noise continues. I casually reached into the jar again and grabbed a piece of paper. I saw the same name on each note, but the handwriting was different ―― Walter? Zhan Sen.