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168 Years
A CATHOLIC NEWSWEEKLY - Est 1850 MUMBAI Vol. 168 No. 13 APR 01 - 07, 2017 Rs. 10/-
EDITOR :
Fr Anthony Charanghat
CONTENTS
email: editor@examiner.in 5 FIVE MORE WORKERS FOR GODS...
Editorial
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LOCAL NEWS 26 The en re community, and not just the Seminary,
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O
n April 1, 2017, God will bless this Archdiocese with five more men ordained as
priests and commissioned to work in this Archdiocese. We count it as a great blessing,
par cularly in the scenario of the voca on crisis all over the world. As the Rite of
Ordina on begins, the Rector of the Seminary will tes fy to the ordaining Bishop, Cardinal
Oswald Gracias, that these men have been found worthy "upon enquiry among the Chrisan
people and upon the recommenda on of those responsible." These words u ered by the
Rector at the very beginning of the Rite of Ordina on indicate clearly that it is the en re
community, and not just the Seminary, that bears responsibility for the forma on of those
whom God calls to the priesthood.
In fact, the beginning of the voca on of all these men was in the heart of the world, much
before they entered the Seminary. It is in the family, in the bosom of the parish, and in the midst
of the challenges of the workplace that God's call was heard and recognised by each of them.
During their years in the Seminary, besides their philosophical and theological studies, they
have spent en re weekends in profound immersion in pastoral ministry, being formed by the
very persons they have had the opportunity to interact with outside the Seminary compound.
And their forma on will in fact con nue long into their years of priestly ministry, as they engage
with the "Chris an people" in the parishes where they are appointed to serve, a emp ng to
have the "smell of the sheep".
Even as they hone their skills of the ministry of the Word, the service of the altar and outreach
to the marginalised, they will deepen their experience of pu ng their various talents in the
Lord's service, and perhaps discovering new charisms that the Holy Spirit will nurture in their
new-found pastoral field. We hope and pray that each of them may be able to say like Peter at
the gate of the Temple to the man who was begging: "I have no silver or gold, but what I have I
give you; in the name of Jesus Christ of Nazareth, stand up and walk." (Acts 3:6) And may they
be able to praise God for their ini a on into eec ve ministry.
A document recently published by the Va can Congrega on for the Clergy - "The Gi of the
Priestly Voca on" - reminds us of another dimension: that a candidate to the priesthood "is
a 'mystery to himself', in which two aspects of his humanity, that need to be integrated, are
intertwined and exist side by side. On the one hand, he is characterised by talents and gi s that
have been moulded by grace; on the other, he is marked by his limits and frailty." (No. 28). This
makes the newly ordained focus also on this second aspecthuman frailty that needs to be
integrated with the posi ve discovery of talents. We are reminded of St Paul who recognised
that he had a "thorn in the flesh" (2 Cor 12:7) which he would rather not have. The Lord led him
to integrate this frailty into posi ve energy, with the convic on that the same Lord says, "My
grace is sucient for you, for power is made perfect in weakness." (2 Cor 12:9) We hope and
pray that our newly ordained will make use of their frail es to have a deep experience of the
Lord's mercy, and become channels of this mercy to the ones they pastor.
Even as we contribute our Lenten alms for the diocesan Seminary, let us heed the Holy
Father's urgent plea: "I ask parish communi es, associa ons and the many prayer groups
present in the Church, not to yield to discouragement, but to con nue praying that the Lord
will send workers to His harvest. May He give us priests enamoured of the Gospel, close to all
their brothers and sisters, living signs of God's merciful love." (Pope's Message for World Day
of Prayer for Voca ons).
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W
hile remembering Pope John Paul ll on his
twel h anniversary, one can say that he was
an extraordinary witness who, through his
devo on, heroic eorts, long suering and
death, communicated the powerful message of the Gospel to
the men and women of our day. A great part of the success
of his message is due to the fact that he was surrounded
by a tremendous cloud of witnesses who stood by him and
strengthened him throughout his life. For John Paul II, the
call to holiness excluded no one; it was not the privilege of a
spiritual elite.
Lumen Genum, the Dogma c Cons tu on on the Church
of the Second Va can Council, notes that the holiness of
Chris ans flows from that of the Church and manifests imperfec on, blindness, deafness or sin. Canonisa on means
it. It says that holiness "is expressed in many ways by the that a person lived his or her life with God, relying totally
individuals who, each in his own state of life, tend to the on God's infinite mercy, going forward with God's strength
perfec on of love, thus sanc fying others." (LG 39) In this and power, believing in the impossible, loving one's enemies
variety, "one and the same holiness is cul vated by all, who and persecutors, forgiving in the midst of evil and violence,
are moved by the Spirit of Godand follow the poor Christ, hoping beyond all hope, and leaving the world a be er
the humble and cross-bearing Christ in order to be worthy of place. That person lets those around him know that there
being sharers in his glory." (LG 41) is a force or spirit anima ng his or her life that is not of this
world, but the next. Such a person lets us catch a glimpse of
the greatness and holiness to which we are all called, and
It is worth noting that Pope John shows us the face of God, as we journey on our pilgrim way
Paul II taught us that the meaning of on earth.
It is worth no ng that Pope John Paul II taught us that
suffering is fundamentally changed the meaning of suering is fundamentally changed by the
Incarna on. Apart from the Incarna on, suering is the
by the Incarnation. consequence of sin. It oers opportuni es for insight into
oneself, for personal growth, and for demonstra ng prac cal
When the throngs of people began chan ng "Santo Subito" love for others, but these are incidental. Because of the
at the end of the Pope's funeral mass on April 8, 2005, what Incarna on, however, we become sharers in the Body of
were they really chan ng? They were crying out that in Karol Christ. Our suering becomes His suering, and becomes an
Wojtyla, they saw someone who lived with God and lived expression of redeeming love.
with us. He was a sinner who experienced God's mercy and Pope John Paul II taught us that life is sacred, no ma er
forgiveness. He was the prophe c teacher who preached the how painful his own life became for him. Rather than hide his
Word in season and out of season. He looked at us, loved us, infirmi es, as most public figures do, Pope John Paul II let the
touched us, healed us and gave us hope. He taught us not whole world see what he went through. The suering and
to be afraid. He showed us how to live, how to love, how to dying of this Pope did not take place in private, but before
forgive and how to die. He taught us how to embrace the television cameras and the whole world.
Cross in the most excrucia ng moments of life, knowing that May we learn how to live, to suer and die unto the Lord.
the Cross was not God's final answer. Let us pray to have a small por on of the fidelity of Peter's
That a person is declared a "Saint" is not a statement about witness and the boldness of Paul's proclama on that were
perfec on. It does not mean that the person was without so migh ly present in Karol Wojtyla Saint John Paul II. May
he intercede for us and for all those who suer in body and
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Understanding Lent
the imposi ons and throw tantrums,
so that we would find it dicult to
concentrate on spiritual ac vi es.
The hope that Lent brings is
intrinsically ed up to the mystery it
L
contemplates upon, and that is the
ent, I have discovered over the nature of the prepara on and the Passion, Death and Resurrec on of
years, is a special me of the mood of the season. Lent is a serious Jesus. Lent reminds us that our life is
year. It is a cri cal liturgical season, but it isn't a morose one. The limited. It proclaims to us the great
season that helps us prepare liturgy of Lent lays emphasis on fas ng, truth that God loves us, without
for the great feast of Easter. My usage prayer and repentance. The readings, mincing words. The love of God reaches
of the word 'cri cal' may surprise or again and again, and in dierent words, out and reclaims us from the clutches
upset some of you. Allow me to clarify. invite us to 'come back to God'. In of sin. Sin has no power over us (Rom
I don't use it here to refer to the state the course of the year, we probably 6:14). We have been purchased at a
of our mental or physical health for hardly ever give serious thought to price (1 Cor 7:23), and that price is the
the dura on of the season (in fact for our spiritual life. We could be so precious blood of Jesus. The hope that
a majority of us, Lent isn't a period of ed down by our commitments and Lent gives us is that suering and death
serious prayer and rigorous fas ng and responsibili es, that the spiritual life are not absolute. They are inevitable,
penance). 'Cri cal' here means 'having becomes 'a side business' which needs, but they aren't final and binding.
a decisive importance'. or worse s ll, gets a en on only on They have been conquered by Jesus
Sundays or feast days! Lent therefore through His suering and death on the
once again becomes a cri cal season. Cross. The fact that Jesus too suered
It calls a en on to the spiritual life and grievous pain, and finally death, ought
invites us to set our priori es straight. to fill us with a sense of comfort. Our
We are meant for God, and to God we God is able to empathise with us in our
must give our due, not in le overs or pain, for He knows what it is about.
in alms, but with all our heart, mind The Resurrec on of Jesus marks the
and soul. Lent brings on this truth quite triumph over sin, suering and death.
empha cally. On the very first day, it It gives us hope that we too will rise
hits us with the bombshell: "You are like Jesus, and overcome the pain,
dust, and to dust you shall return." suering and death that is connected to
(Gen 3:19) mortal life.
Lent is a season of hope. As I was Besides fostering hope, Lent is a
saying earlier, Lent and Advent have me for renewal. This is, in fact, its key
certain common characteris cs. The character. It is a retreat of sorts. When
Lent is a 40-day period of inner atmosphere that these seasons foster you come to think of it, retreats are
prepara on to commemorate the is, in addi on to other things, one of modelled around the season and spirit
Passion, Death and Resurrec on of hope. Since they are periods of intense of Lent. Recall the key characteris cs
Jesus. With this background, the prepara on for great feasts, they of a retreat: silence, long spans of
importance and special nature of invite the believer to look to the feast prayer, moments of praise, worship and
Advent and Lent become evident. with hope. This hope is not merely a thanksgiving, adora on of the Blessed
The goal of these seasons is clear: hope that the season ends soon, so Sacrament, sessions on repentance,
prepara on for the great feasts of that the demands it makes on us are forgiveness and healing, tes monies,
the Incarna on and Resurrec on. relaxed, and the fes ve celebra on fas ng, abs nence. Lent is meant to be
Hence, their religious observance is obliterates all memories of sacrifices lived, and not merely speculated upon.
very cri cal. and hardships incurred during the At every level, it is a living experience.
Lent requires a change in a tude prepara on period. I recall my days in I hope that it breathes life into the way
and mannerisms to go along with the the seminary, when we would look to we approach and live out the season.
Lent with dread. It was that awful me The aim of 'understanding' Lent is
Cl Ian Pinto sdb is currently doing of the year when our already simple that we may live it be er. When we
his regency at Don Bosco Academy, food would become over-simplified and understand what something is about,
Sutgatti, Karnataka, and is in charge austere, not by personal choice, but by we are able to enter deeper into its
of a boarding for boys. the external pressure of our superiors. reality, and grasp its core significance.
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have o en reflected tremendous impact on the her, we learned who we becomes a problem for
on the apostolate of lives of young, growing were, and what we wanted many. This is followed by
kindness, caring and students, struggling to to be. She touched our lives the ba ery of tests and
compassion, and the cope with the demand to by her kindness, caring inves ga ons that must be
power it has to touch perform and excel, the and compassion." gone through in order to
people's lives. More recently, pressures of compe on
I have had occasion to reflect and the challenges that our
even more deeply on the present educa onal system
vital need of this apostolate imposes on them. Surveys
in the kind of world we live undertaken indicate that
in today, and to realise how teachers are remembered
much be er and happier this and loved by their students,
world would be for it. not so much for the
In any voca on that excellence of their teaching
involves contact and and their teaching strategies,
interac on with human as they are remembered
beings, be it teaching or for the kind of human
medicine or social service, beings they are or were -
this apostolate is both gentle, kind, caring, loving,
essen al and indispensable. encouraging, understanding Another voca on that diagnose the disease, and
Dealing with inanimate and compassionate. oers tremendous and the constant replenishment
objects like computers, A student once shared, unlimited opportuni es of medica on prescribed by
machines and electronic "My favourite teacher, for the exercise of this the doctors. Added to this
devices is one thing, but Miss R......., was a most apostolate is the medical is the anxiety of trying to
dealing with living, human unforge able character. profession. Doctors, nurses, meet the a ending doctors,
beings is another, because She always treated us with medical a endants and and find out the condi on
human beings have feelings, kindness and made us feel hospital sta have the power or progress of one's pa ent.
emo ons, needs and wants, cared for. She took me to oer solace, comfort The need to find someone
which if not understood and to know us and listen to and support, and to touch to be constantly present
met with, can result in much us. She encouraged us to the lives of both pa ents with the pa ent in the
pain, stress and sadness. talk about our lives, our and their families through absence of a family member
Teachers have tremendous families, ourselves. Soon, their kindness, caring or rela ve is another
opportuni es for the she knew me be er than and compassion. daun ng experience. Above
exercise of this apostolate my own parents did. She The hospitalisa on of a all, there is the pain one
in their contacts and listened to us, and we had loved one today can be a must o en encounter of
dealings with their students. something to say. She never painful experience, as many standing helplessly by the
Kindness, understanding, a acked, but pointed out of us know. It involves, in bedside of a loved one,
caring and a spirit of what needed to be done, the first place, the trauma unable to alleviate their pain
compassion on the part and then compassionately of securing admission in and suering.
of a teacher can make a stood by, ready to help. With a hospital of one's choice All these experiences place
and convenience, and much stress and anxiety
Dr (Mrs) Elaine Ann Charles is the ex-Principal of St the payment of a sizeable on family members, and
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India: In poverty,
faith shines
F
orty-two years a er working as a missionary in central Turkey and Baghdad, Iraq. Even now, the Eastern Rite
India, Fr John Boeglin of Holy Family Catholic Church dominates southern India, although Western Rite churches
returned to the country, this me as a sightseer. are becoming more common. Historically, the most obvious
"This was not a tourist trip," Boeglin said. "This was dierence between the two rites is language. While the
a backroads trip." Western Rite adopted La n as a universal language, the
Boeglin presented a Eastern Rite began in Aramaic, but evolved to use all the
talk on his latest trip vernacular languages, making it so that an Eastern Catholic
on a Sunday evening couldn't always understand the Mass at a dierent church.
in March at Holy There are other dierences as well, Boeglin said, but that's
Family. He spoke about a big one. The language barrier caused the two rites to
reuni ng with Indian clash, when Jesuits brought the Western Rite to India in the
friends from his days at 1300s, because the two groups didn't recognise each other
a seminary in Innsbruck, as Catholics. The conflicts, however, have been resolved over
Austria, returning to the centuries.
the farm where he "It was kind of miraculous that they found each other,"
was on a mission with Boeglin said.
Fr Jerry Ziliak during Beyond the two rites, Indian Catholicism had developed
seminary days, and into its own unique sect. India is home to a variety of
the challenges of living religions Chris anity, Islam, Buddhism, Jainism, and
without toilet paper dominantly, Hinduism. Indian Catholicism has taken on
and running water characteris cs of Hindu prac ce. Altars and shrines are filled
"People just don't with bright colours, shrines to various saints (usually the
know what we have in Virgin Mary) sit outside the churches near the streets, and
this country," he said and ea ng rice almost constantly, of venerators pop in to place flowers around the statues or
which he is not a fan, as he toured the country. During the leave oerings, as they go about their day.
latest trip, he received more lessons in faithfulness from the "This is almost like Hindu Catholicism," Boeglin said.
Indian people all over the country. One of the most striking Although there's a lot of religious diversity in India, people
lessons, he said, was deep venera on. In India, worshippers coexist peacefully, and Boeglin called the country an example
remove their shoes outside the sanctuary, before entering, to the world in that regard. He recalled one church he visited,
as a sign of respect. During the service, worshippers kneel on that had a Hindu temple on one side and a mosque on the
the ground; women on one side of the sanctuary, men on the other. He also visited a Catholic school with 3,500 students
other. Boeglin found himself kneeling on the floor, shoeless 15 of them Catholic. The rest were Muslim and Hindu. All the
and smiling, as he celebrated Mass throughout the country. students a end Mass and love it, although the Muslims and
Each Mass was held in one of India's 17 major languages, Hindus don't take Communion. The school is named a er the
none of which he spoke a word of. Virgin Mary, which helps a ract students of other religions.
India can trace its history farther back than the Old Muslims and Hindus both venerate Mary.
Testament. Hinduism, the dominant religion in India, "They don't have perfect peace," Boeglin said. "But it's an
predates Biblical religions. Judaism came to India during the example of how people can live in peace."
me of King Solomon, and Chris anity traces its Indian roots Boeglin thinks educa on is a barrier to peaceful co-
back nearly 2,000 years to the Apostle Thomas, according existence among religions in the West. In the West, he said,
to Boeglin's research. Un l the 1300s, Indian Chris ans we know more of the dierences between religions, and that
celebrated Eastern Catholicism that spread from An och, discourages us from worshipping together. In India, most
people cannot read or write, much less learn the details of
Leann Burke is a writer for the Dubois County Herald. world religions.
pa ent, and in mes like these, a kindly word, a pa ent and understanding and sensi vity to their feelings and fears.
listening ear, an understanding heart and a gentle response People stricken with demen a and Alzheimer's, living in a
to one's queries (exaspera ng as they must some mes be) world of their own, physically well but mentally unstable,
can bring much comfort, solace and reassurance, and is can impose much stress and strain on their care-givers.
deeply appreciated. This might seem like a tall order, easier Care-giving, a er a while, can be a painful and stressful
to demand than it is to prac se. It is also understandable commitment, o en 'burning one out' in the process. I
that in medicine, as in teaching, while one's loved one, realise that those who have never had the opportunity (and
be it a pa ent or a student, is just one for us, he or she is privilege) of caring for the sick and housebound will find it
one among many others for medical sta and teachers, hard to understand the pain and the joy, the challenge and
and one realises that. And yet, if medicine and teaching the sa sfac on it involves and entails.
are considered to be voca ons, then kindness, caring and Paren ng is yet another area that oers endless
compassion must form an integral part of their charism. This, opportuni es for the exercise of this apostolate, because
I believe, is the extra mile we need to go, if we are to be true what children need most from their parents today is love,
to our voca on. kindness, caring and compassion. Their lives are not easy
Caring for the sick and the aged in our homes is yet today; the demands and hurdles they have to face are many,
another area for the exercise of this apostolate, and one and o en challenging. All they need in mes like these is a
o en sees this in admirable ac on. The joy and privilege of loving heart and a listening, understanding ear. Have you
taking the Eucharist to the housebound each Sunday o en ever realised that when our two ears are put side by side,
leaves one edified and inspired by the selfless devo on and they form the shape of a heart? Interes ngly also, the word
dedica on seen in some of their care-givers. You find some 'ear' sits right in the middle of the word 'heart' (H-EAR-T).
cared for by their families with deep love, tenderness and The 'ear' is the way to the 'heart', and so, if you want to get
devo on. This is o en done by a loving daughter or a caring someone's heart, just give them your ear. Parents might do
sister, who spend their lives in the service of an aged parent well to remember this.
or a sick sibling. Their dedica on and commitment to their Finally, this apostolate can be prac sed by any and
care is truly edifying, and one leaves such homes, deeply everyone. The remarkable fact about kindness, caring and
touched. Caring for the sick and housebound over many compassion is that they come for free; they cost you nothing,
years, with no chances of any reversal or cure, can be a very and they are so readily and easily available. Yet, the magic
daun ng and dicult experience, not easy to cope with, and they can work is incredible. All one needs to do is to expend
only a spirit of kindness, caring and compassion can make some me, eort and energy, along with a determina on to
this possible. reach out to the other in love, kindness and compassion, and
Dealing with the old and the elderly can also be the joy that flows back is unimaginable.
extremely challenging at mes. It calls for much pa ence,
Motto: Called to share the fragrance of Gods Love Motto: Whatever you do unto the least of these brothers, you do it unto me. (Mt 25:40)
Vocation Story: Vocation Story:
It was an undisclosed wish of my mother that at least one of her three children should either The seed of my vocation was sown when I was an altar server. My house is just a stone's throw
become a priest or a religious. After several years of her married life, God answered her prayers, away from the church, so as a child, I spent most of my time in the church. We used to fight for
when I expressed my decision to my parents about joining the seminary. I am really very serving at Mass. Whenever I used to see the priest celebrating Mass, I used to imagine myself as
blessed, as God, in His mercy and compassion, chose me to work in His vineyard. I experienced a priest. Even in school, when I was asked what do you want to become, I used to say, 'a priest'.
this precious call of God to the Priesthood through encounters with different people and Before joining the seminary, I worked for 12 years. As I was ascending the ladder of success, one
through various incidents that took place in my personal life. Being involved in my family question would always trouble me: What is the purpose of my life? The scripture text written on
business, at the peak of my career, and at a stage of having to think about settling down in life, the walls of our church: For what will it profit a man, if he gains the whole world, but forfeits his
I was in a dilemma whether to respond to this vocation call or not. However, I did not give up, life? (Mt 16:26) had a deep impact on my life. It was difficult for me to give up my job and all the
and continued to persevere in prayer. And finally, through God's grace and the blessings of my comforts of life, and join the seminary. My mother encouraged me and nourished my vocation.
parents, I experienced the inner strength to surrender my career, family, etc. and follow God's One of my sisters, who is a nun, also had a strong influence on me, and inspired me to join the
voice. I would like to conclude with a humble appeal to all of you who are parents, that you priesthood. I joined the seminary with a clear vision: My life is a gift from God, and whatever I do
encourage your children to recognise and respond to God's Call. For the words of our dear Lord with my life is my gift to God. As I reflect on my vocation, I feel reassured that God has a definite
ring true even today, "The harvest is plentiful, but the labourers are few!" plan for my lifea plan to serve the least of His people.
Name: Savio DSouza Parents: Mr Manuel and (late) Mrs Iris DSouza Parish: St Sebastian Church, Chembur
Parish Name: Simon Rodrigues Parents:: Mrs Dumi Rodrigues and (late) Mr Andrew Rodrigues
Parish: St Gonsalo Garcia Church, Gass, Vasai
Motto: Channel of Gods Mercy
Vocation Story: Motto: To be an instrument of Gods Care
"I will gather you from all the nations, I will keep you under my wings and fill your mouth with Vocation Story:
my words." (Ps 91:4) These words have come true in my life. I received my vocation while I was I come from a simple family which is faithful to religious practices. Regular Mass, daily family
working a board a ship in a foreign country. I expressed this desire of joining a seminary to my prayer, novenas, prayer before leaving home and at times of crisesall these are still part of
parents and priest friends. In the beginning, they were hesitant, but I continued to persevere. I my family activities. These things created a conducive atmosphere to facilitate and nurture my
received tremendous spiritual support from Fr Raymond Rumao, Fr Cajetan Rodrigues, and also vocation. The Lord speaks to us through ordinary events of our lives; I recognised the same from
from my parents. This is how I joined St Pius X College, Goregaon. The seminary removed the the early years of my life. It was through the regular religious activities of the family that I felt
multiple blinkers I had, broadened my horizons, and brought me to this renewed state. I thank Jesus speaking to me personally. The seed of vocation was sown and nurtured in me because,
God, my parents, my family, my friends, the seminary curriculum, the non-teaching staff and all at home, my parents would speak highly about priests and religious, and rebuke those who
the brothers who were part of my formation. spoke against them. Regularly attending the Eucharist was also part of my family activities.
The moment I felt the Eucharist was becoming a routine, it brought about a dramatic change
Name: Oscar Gonsalves Parents:: Mrs Stella & (late) Mr Jokim Gonsalves Parish: Our Lady of Mercy, Merces, Vasai internally. It was through the Eucharist, that I was confronted face to face with the challenge to
respond to Gods call. It took me a few years, before I finally gave in. If you take the Eucharist
seriously, you cannot but give in to Him, because His presence in it is very strong. When I was
Motto: "No one has greater love than this, to lay down one"s life for one"s friends" (Jn 15:13) trying to delay my response to Gods call, the Eucharist was becoming a frustrating experience,
Vocation Story: creating lots of turmoil and tension within me. The final YES to the Lord gave me inner peace,
Since my childhood, I experienced the call to become a priest. During my school days, this call as well as the confirmation that my YES was the right response. God has journeyed with me
took root, and the desire to become a priest grew. This is because of my personal relationship all through; He has guided my steps towards the altar with great care. I now desire to be an
with Jesus and Mother Mary. I used to enjoy going for Mass, being an Altar Server, participating instrument of His care towards all.
in the Legion of Mary meetings and reciting the Rosary. These and many other values I learned Name: Robinson Varghese Parents:: Mr R. Varghese and Mrs V. Selvathai
from my family members, religious persons, teachers and neighbours. During my college
Parish: Our Lady of Remedy Church, Poinsur, Kandivli
and working days, even though I was caught up with the temptations of this world, I always
experienced God's call. One day, when I revealed my vocation to my mother, she gave me the
red signal. Due to this, I ended up joining the seminary one year late. However, that one year
helped tremendously to strengthen my vocation. Today, I am sure that it is the Lord who gave
me the call and nurtured it, so that I can work in His vineyard and lay down my life for others.
Name: John Pereira Parents: Mr Vincent & Mrs Hilda Pereira Parish: Our Lady of Lourdes, Uttan Pali, Bhayander
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United Biblical Seminary and Spicer Memorial University
in the city of Pune.
The high quality programme of Western Classical Church
music in Church worship was intended to mark the 500th
NOTES COMMENTS
as personal Saviour. The Bishop highlighted the importance
of ecumenism and the urgency of growing in union with
Jesus and with fellow-Chris ans, in accordance with the
Lord's Prayer for the unity of His disciples.
because the love that is not expressed would atrophy. But
Cardinal Gracias recommends as important as worship is the silent surrender to God; not
to talk to God, so much as to listen to Him with a silent
Deepen Your Faith Course mind. He appreciated that The Deepen Your Faith Course is
a programme of weekly seminars that are held on Saturdays
at St Andrew's College, Bandra. Every year, a specific theme
MR C S MANOHAR
and a Biblical book are iden fied, in consulta on with the
On the occasion of the 25th anniversary of the 'Deepen Your archdiocese. Speakers, eminent in their fields, are invited to
Faith' programme at St Andrew's College, Bandra on March speak on topics falling under the theme, and on the biblical
18, 2017, Cardinal Oswald Gracias, who graced the func on, book selected. There is a retreat and an o-site seminar
recommended the course to the laity. He stated that he has every year.
always been impressed with the depth and topicality of
the themes addressed by 'Deepen Your Faith' every year.
In his opinion, the programme addressed one of the key
issues of concern for the Church: Faith Forma on. Faith is Clarification
much more than just having a detailed knowledge of the Due to an oversight, the author of the report (in our issue
meaning of the Scriptures and Tradi on, of what they say dated March 25-31, 2017) tled 'Silver Jubilee Celebra on
and why they say it. That is an academic achievement, not a of Deepen your Faith' - Mr C S Manohar - was not saved,
while forwarding the copy to us. Hence, it was wrongly
spiritual one. That understanding of Scripture and Tradi on a ributed to Adv. Joaquim Reis. We regret the error. -Ed
has to pervade our thoughts and being. The informed,
mature faith has to change our values, our a tudes, our
rela onship with our neighbours, and ul mately, our deeply
personal rela onship with God. Pope Emeritus Benedict
XVI was once asked whether he had had any doubts. He
replied that he had never had any doubts. He could have Quick Wit
had intellectual gaps in Knowledge; he might have failed to
understand. But he had had so many experiences of God in MBBS entrance exam queson: What is a "Life Cycle"?
his own life, that there was never any doubt. So we have to One answer: It's hard to pedal a cycle, so we shi to a
make the eort to move from knowledge to understanding; Motor Bike Then we shi to more comfort, and buy a
we have to apply that understanding to support our faith. car. Then we develop a tummy, and join the gym. In the
Knowing the Chris an faith is one thing; having the Chris an gym, they again give you a cycle! This is called "A Life
faith is en rely another thing. How do we make that long Cycle"!
journey from knowing to being? We can do it only with - Percy
prayer. Expressing love in daily worship is very important,
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the Founder-Director, Fr Aniceto Pereira and the new Director, Xavier Institute of Counselling Psychology (XICP) is organising
Fr Jervis D'Souza. The audience was educated by architects and a Career Guidance and Counselling programme for students of
Standard 10, 12 and University level in the month of April 2017,
conserva onists, Mr Pankaj Joshi (of UDRI) and Mr David Cardoz starting April 3, 2017 at St Xavier's College, Dhobi Talao. Prior
on 'The Development of Mumbai and the Church's contribu on registration is required. Kindly contact 98206 87576/56999 58422
to it', followed by a Q&A moderated by Mr Adrian Rosario. between 10 am and 5 pm.
The to-be-IMFE-graduates then made a grand entry, holding the Don Bosco Summer Camps 2017
flags of their respec ve Commissions. The Bishop, IMFE Director Camp I - April 3 - 8 - MISSION CAMP, Ahmednagar, for post-Class
X and above (Boys & Girls)
and the Commission Heads lit the lamps on the Prayer Table, as
Camp II - April 12 - 16 - YOUTH PASCH, Lonavla, for post-class
the Invoca on to the Trinity was sung by all. This was followed by a XII and Working Youth (Boys & Girls)
short presenta on, featuring their IMFE journey with gra tude to Camp III - April 19 - 22 - LEADERSHIP CAMP, Boscowadi, for
their Mentor-Animators and the Core IMFE Team, viz. Fr Aniceto Std VIII X (Boys only)
Pereira, Fr Jervis D'Souza, Mr Melwyn Sequeira, Mr Adrian Rosario Camp IV - April 25 - 28 - LEADERSHIP CAMP, Boscowadi, for
and Ms Rohini D'Souza. The Valedictory Address was delivered by post-Class X and above (Boys & Girls)
Dr Trudy Dan s, who kept the audience in splits with her humour, Camp V - May 2 - 8 - VOCATION CAMP, Lonavla, for post-Class
VIII and above (Boys only)
as she introduced her batchmates. Contact Don Bosco Youth Services (DBYS), Matunga. Tel : 75060
Fr Jervis, in the Director's Address, confirmed to the Bishop 42114/6529 1129/99205 88382. E-mail : dbysmatunga@gmail.com
that all of the candidates were prepared and indeed ready Lenten Retreat: From Friday, 7 (7:30 am) to Sunday, April 9
to Carry their Candle and Light the World. The to-be-IMFE- (5 pm) at Vinayalaya, Andheri (E), behind Holy Family Church,
graduates then sang a group song, rela ng their IMFE journey Chakala. Conducted by the Catholic Charismatic Renewal, Mumbai.
Registrations at the CCR Office, Dadar (W) - 2430 3626/2421
with wit and hilarity. Bishop Savio shared how pleased he was 0881/98205 43622/99309 40705. Register early.
with the way the IMFE had shaped, and acknowledged the
persistent eorts of Fr Aniceto. He called on the people to be the The Fully Alive Experience
Church wherever they were. He advised them to give their best Prafulta invites all teenagers (12-16 years) to participate in 'The Fully
Alive Experience' - a fun-filled workshop on personal development
contribu on at all mes, and at the same me, acknowledge on April 26-27, 2017.
the contribu on that others give, as he related the story of the Venue: Prafulta Psychological Services, c/o Dominic Savio School,
orchestra and the sound man. Finally, he urged the to-be-IMFE- Opp. Tolani College, off Mahakali Caves Road, Andheri East.
graduates and all others present to be the Leaven in the Dough, Register on : 2830 2323/2820 0248/98204 84546
and make Christ's vision of the Church alive.
The Prayer Service (led by Rohini) took the gathering through to Bishop Oscar Romero's poem, Fr Aniceto had been plan ng
solemn moments of praise and thanksgiving, during which the seeds ini ally as the Diocesan Cateche cal Director, and
the to-be-graduates symbolically received 'light' from their then kept watering the seeds already planted as Founder of the
respec ve Commission Heads, in readiness to go forth and be OLCM and the IMFE, knowing that they hold future promise. Fr
the Light of the World and Salt of the Earth. Fr Jervis then led Aniceto thanked Mr Melwyn for his tribute, as he acknowledged
Bishop Savio to the dais, as the IMFE graduates came forward Melwyn being the backbone in all of his ini a ves.
to state their vision about their respec ve ministries. This was Ms Lelith Vedanayagam proposed a Vote of Thanks,
followed by the Commission Heads placing a towel on the le acknowledging the eorts of all those who had contributed to
hand of the graduates (as a sign of their readiness to serve), the success of the event. She referred to the IMFE Core team
as the gradua on cer ficate was handed over to the IMFE as 'bows' and the IMFE graduates as 'arrows', as she explained
graduates, whose faces beamed with pride. how year a er year, they had shot these IMFE graduates into
Mr Melwyn Sequeira sprung a surprise tribute to Fr Aniceto the open to reach far and wide to take Christ's healing to the
Pereira for his long contribu on to the IMFE and the OLCM. True naons and spread His message of Love.
NEW DELHI
Priest forgives his attacker
Beatification of Sr Rani Maria Fr Tomy (an Indian priest in Melbourne) a ended the 11 am
"The upcoming bea fica on of Sr Rani Maria is a blessing Mass at St Ma hew's Church, Fawkner, having almost fully
for the Church in India," noted Cardinal George Alencherry, recovered from his ordeal.
head of the Syro-Malabar Church, commenting on the
news that the Congrega on for the Causes of Saints has He said the man's knife had sliced through four thick
completed the verification process, and given the nihil layers of vestments to cut into the top of his le shoulder.
obstat for the beatification of the Franciscan nun. The He believed his neck was the target. Fr Tomy said the man
cardinal added that "Pope Francis' decision to declare Sr had visited church three mes last month, while he was
Rani Blessed is a moment of great joy for the whole Church away. "Where's that Indian?" he had asked. The man finally
in India." came face-to-face with Fr Tomy on March 4. "He told me he
was not going to let me celebrate Mass here; that I'm an
The news was circulated in recent days and was Indian, and Indians are either Hindu or Muslim. That's his
confirmed. Fr Jimmy Poochakka , spokesman for the Syro- ignorance. There are nearly 20 million Catholics in India." Fr
Malabar Church, reported that the Pope "has signed the Tomy said he believed the man was not mentally well. "I am
recommendation of the College of Cardinals," while the praying for him, because I know that he is sick. I don't have
date of the ceremony will be announced later. An ocial any hatred or anger towards him," he said.
statement of the Church adds that a er the bea fica on, Sr
Rani Maria will be called "martyr". The March 19 attack occurred at the church entrance,
while the congregation was singing at the beginning of
On February 25, 1995, the Franciscan Poor Clare was
Mass, and unaware of what was happening behind them,
killed (at age 41) with 54 stab wounds by a Hindu radical,
Fr Tomy said.
fomented by village leaders who wanted to stop her
missionary activity in favour of the tribal poor. Born in He managed to escape, then went to the front for
Kerala, the young nun had moved to the diocese of Indore Mass, not realising he was injured, but somebody
(Madhya Pradesh) to work at the service of the local poor pointed out he was bleeding. He removed the outer
popula on, mostly tribal. The missionary dedicated her life vestments, prayed with the worshippers, gave them a
in favour of the villagers, obtaining bank credit lines and blessing, then left by ambulance.
tax breaks for the cul va on of land. She created support
Fr Tomy thanked his church "family". "I'm grateful to
groups for women and also helped in the most strenuous
you all for your special prayers and support," he said.
jobs, such as building a well for clean water to drink and
Melbourne Auxiliary Bishop Terry Curtin concelebrated
irrigate their fields.
Mass in Italian with Fr Tomy. Police have charged a 72-year-
Her social work became "inconvenient" for the Hindu old Fawkner man with inten onally and recklessly causing
village heads, who previously held the tribals in check by injury. He is due to appear in Broadmeadows Magistrates'
gran ng loans. If the farmers were not able to compensate Court in June.
them, they took possession of the crop and soil. The ......................................................................CATHNEWS.COM
"ocial" credit obtained by Sr Rani Maria was an obstacle
to businesses of Hindu leaders, who decided to foment and
arm a poor Hindu, Samunder. He, sure of their support, UTTAR PRADESH
murdered the nun in front of dozens of witnesses, while she
was on a shu le bus to her original home. Christian graves vandalised;
Immediately a er the murder, however, the assassin was (false) accusations of forced
abandoned by his family, and by those who had used him
to eliminate the nun. The only one who remained close was
conversions
an Indian priest, Swamy Sadanand, who put him in contact At least ten Chris an tombs were vandalised in the Rajapur
with the religious sister's family. Speaking to AsiaNews, Sr Allahabad cemetery (U ar Pradesh), as shown in a video
Selmy Paul, the sister of the martyr, told the story of her provided by the Global Council of Indian Chris ans (GCIC).
family, and how the mercy of God has acted on her and her GCIC president, Sajan K George, said, "The violence against
siblings to help seek pardon for the murderer. Among those Chris an tombs deeply hurt our religious feelings and show
NEWS INTERNATIONAL
reflect on what had happened. They didn't feel, un l they got
home last night, what had really happened," he said. "They are
very shaken people."
The priest told CNS that everyone had a dierent story.
JERUSALEM "I spoke to some MPs who were on their way to vote at the
Christ's restored tomb me. They heard the gunshots.
inaugurated in Jerusalem "One was walking through from Portcullis House [opposite
Parliament] to the chamber, when he heard this awful thud.
Prelates from the Catholic, Greek Orthodox and Armenian Though he couldn't see it, it was the car hi ng the railings," he
Apostolic churches gathered at the Church of the Holy said. "He went on, and then the next minute, he saw the Prime
Sepulchre in Jerusalem to mark the inauguration of the Minister being bundled out, then two police ocers with guns
restored Edicule, the 18th century shrine that surrounds charging to the gate. Lots of people have stories like that."
Christ's tomb.
Reverend Hudson-Wilkin preached at the first of the three
Ecumenical Patriarch Bartholomew of Constan nople was services, he said, and she reminded the congregation to
also in a endance, as was Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras. respond with compassion and solidarity to the evil that had
entered their lives "in a very drama c way".
The three churches oversee dierent parts of the historic
church and jointly paid for the Edicule's restora on. Archbishop "Westminster Parliament is like a village, and when
Pierbattista Pizzaballa, apostolic administrator of the Latin something like this happens, everyone comes together," Fr
Patriarchate of Jerusalem, hailed the event as an ecumenical Browne said. "It doesn't ma er if you work in the kitchen,
breakthrough for the area's Chris an communi es. or you are a cleaner, or a Member of Parliament, everyone
rallies together."
"The Holy Sepulchre, in which all the Chris ans make the
memory of death and resurrec on of our Lord Jesus Christ, is ........................................................CATHOLICHERALD.CO.UK
the custodian of our faith, but also of our respec ve histories,
our iden es," he said. "It is the mirror of what we are. And
while we see in this building our wounds that our historical
IRAQ
divisions have created, we want today to celebrate and to show Christians in northern Iraq
also our desire to cure these wounds."
..........................................................CATHOLICCULTURE.ORG 'on verge of extinction'
A senior aid worker within the Chaldean Catholic archdiocese
in northern Iraq has described the Chris an popula on there
UK as "on the verge of ex nc on", and is appealing to the Bri sh
'Lots of tears' at chapel and US governments for humanitarian assistance.
services: Westminster chaplain Stephen Rasche, legal counsel and head of rese lement
programmes for the diocese, addressed both Houses of UK
The Catholic chaplain to Parliament said people were Parliament recently on the need for humanitarian support for
weeping at prayer services the day after the Westminster Iraqi Chris ans.
terror a ack.
According to Lord Alton, he told MPs and peers that
The priest, Fr Pat Browne, said he arrived at Parliament "medicine will run out in 40 days, food in two months."
about two minutes after the attack and was sent home
by police. Speaking to the Catholic Herald on Wednesday, Rasche
said: "The future really does hang in the balance." He added:
He returned the next day for three prayer services for those "Much of it depends on the con nued support and assistance
killed and injured, when an assailant mowed down people on that [Iraqi Chris ans] receive from the West over the next six
Westminster Bridge, crashed, and killed a police ocer near to 12 months.
Parliament before being killed.
"History could look back on this, and say 'in their time
Fr Browne conducted the services in Parliament's Chapel of of greatest need, they didn't get the support, and the
St Mary's Undercro with the Reverend Rose Hudson-Wilkin, community disappeared.' That could happen. We need to be
the Speaker's chaplain and an Anglican. honest about that."
"There were lots of tears," Fr Browne told Catholic News When ISIS took control of the Nineveh Plains in northern
Service in a telephone interview. "There were a lot of staff Iraq in 2014, Christian families were forced to flee, many
there, members of Parliament, peers. People were very shaken. seeking refuge in Erbil, 80 km east of Mosul, where the
NEWS INTERNATIONAL
The diocese has been dependent on private dona ons, much
of it from 'Aid to the Church in Need'.
"For us, this is a really cri cal point. We're trying to show
them they can rebuild, there can be a future, but at the same
me we're looking at our funding running out," Rasche said. Indonesian Bishops' Conference, said that "even two bishops
a ended the mee ng: Msgr Joel Baylon, head of the Oce of
Although ISIS is gradually losing territory in Iraq, some Laity and Family of the FABC, and Msgr Cornelius Sim, bishop of
10,500 Chris an families remain in Erbil as IDPs (internally
the Sultanate of Brunei."
displaced persons). Since 2003, the Chris an popula on in
Iraq has declined from 1.4 million to 275,000. Representa ves from Indonesia's 11 dioceses also a ended.
........................................................CATHOLICHERALD.CO.UK Foreign par cipants to the five-day 'Days in the Diocese' were
hosted by Catholic congrega ons.
The event enabled par cipants to live with "new families"
INDONESIA and experience Indonesia's multicultural, multi-ethnic and
Asian Youth Day 2017 mul -religious society.
............................................................................ASIANEWS.IT
Preliminary mee ngs have been held in prepara on for the 7th
Asian Youth Day (AYD), scheduled for July 30 - August 6, 2017 in
Yogyakarta, Central Java. MEXICO
In Indonesia, representa ves from 16 countries met on March
20-24, during the 'Days of the Diocese' at the Sanjaya Pastoral
Bishop: faithful have a duty to
Centre in Mun lan, a place known as the Bethlehem of Java, in oppose abortion, protect life
the central part of the island by the same name. The mee ng
The Catholic faithful have "a serious human and societal
was the fi h organised to prepare for the upcoming event.
responsibility" to protect human life, a spokesman for the
The gathering in Muntilan was used to rehearse the 7th Mexican hierarchy said in a message for the national Day
AYD. Several important ocials from the Federa on of Asian for Life.
Bishops' Conferences (FABC) were present, coming from the
Bishop Francisco Javier Chavolla Ramos of Toluca, the
con nent's four regions: East Asia (South Korea, Hong Kong,
chairman of the Mexican bishops' pro-life commi ee, called
Taiwan, Macau), South-East Asia One (Thailand, Myanmar,
for active resistance against the "anti-human and criminal
Vietnam, Cambodia), South-East Asia Two (Indonesia, East
confusion" that allows for thousands of abor ons each year.
Timor, Malaysia, Brunei, Singapore, Philippines) and South Asia
He said that the deliberate taking of human life can never be
(India and Bangladesh).
justified: "not for research purposes, nor because they are
Representa ves of Catholic Organisa ons for Youth in Asia elderly, disabled, sick, unable to understand, or a migrant."
(COYA) were also present. "Silence in the face of the suppression of unborn life makes
Fr Dwiharsanto, head of the Steering Committee and us complicit in the crime of abor on," the bishop warned.
former Execu ve Secretary of the Commission of Youth of the ..........................................................CATHOLICCULTURE.ORG
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LETTERS TO
EDITOR
Church's ability to truly exalt and praise good cultural tradi ons."
THE Sugges ons proposed are: 1. Support for Gregorian Chant,
and other tradi onal chant forms. 2. Strong music educa on
that focuses on tradi onal music for children and adult laity.
Pope Francis: Confession is not 3. Encourage musical training of clergy and liturgical forma on
of liturgists. 4. Emphasise great responsibility towards liturgical
like going to the dry-cleaners music, because it deals with the sacred mystery of the Eucharist!
Sir, During his morning homily at Casa Santa Marta, Pope Francis Thus, liturgical ac on is given a more noble form when it is
spoke about Confessions. He said that some people go to the celebrated in song.
confessional like going to the dry-cleaners to remove a stain,
Dr Trevor Colaso, Bandra (W)
while some others go to Confession, tell their sins, get three Hail
Marys as penance and leave in peace. "It's more like a banking
transac on," said the Pope. Care and Compassion
The Holy Father was talking about those who go for Sir, The editorial "Care and Compassion" (The Examiner, dated
Confession. However, there are a large number of adult March 25-31) wri en by Bishop Agnelo Gracias, brings into focus
Catholics, including this writer, who do not go to Confession the importance of 'Caring' for the sick and dying pa ents. It is
for long periods, and yet receive communion. A survey to
necessary to preserve the humanness of the pa ent. It is essen al
ascertain the reasons why people do not go for Confession
to maintain the idea that "quality of life" is an important issue, even
may throw up sugges ons which may be useful to increase
for pa ents in whom a cure is not expected. Again, the physician's
foo alls at the confessional. On his part, the Holy Father has
pulled out all the stops to make Confession accessible to all response can be one of distancing to preserve the 'powerful healer'
Catholics. He has exhorted priests to hear confession every image. Physicians can hide behind the machines, charts, bo les,
me someone asks. He says that there should never be those tubes and mechanical apparatus that overwhelm the family and
signs that say, 'Confessions: Mondays and Wednesdays, from dehumanise the pa ent. While all of these machines are necessary,
this me to that.' we should remind ourselves that a cure is not the objec ve, and
our goal is to help the pa ent remain a human being during the
Perhaps we can do our bit by trying out new ideas such
process of dying.
as 'confession by appointment' and confession by 'visi ng
confessors' from nearby parishes on an exchange basis. People We should be concerned about where the pa ent dies. We
should also be gently reminded that Holy Communion is for assume that if the pa ent is in the hospital or in a hospice,
bap sed Catholics who have made a proper confession. (I necessary care will be available. However, some pa ents and their
am told that an announcement to this eect is made on First families will want to spend this me in other places, such as the
Fridays of the month at Tabor Ashram, Kalyan.) An act of home. Then the availability of urgent care, financial help for the
contri on is fine, but it must be emphasised that Confession is pa ent from local chari es, pain control and administra on of
mandatory at least once a year for receiving Holy Communion. adequate amounts of medica on become real issues. Physicians
Prof Robert Castellino, Orlem must be aware of what support is available in their communi es.
Preserve hope. When physicians think, "No ma er what I
"Sing a New Song to the Lord" do, (the pa ent) is going to die," they may be unable to help
their pa ents preserve hope. Most pa ents, even the most
Sir, A le er tled Cantate Domino Cancum Novum (Sing a New
realis c, leave some room for the possibility of a cure. It is this
Song to the Lord) was signed by over 200 musical scholars and
glimpse of hope that sustains them. Here, as so o en, humanity
pastors from around the globe. I give below brief extracts:
depends on honesty. Do not use false evalua ons in response
The document urged parishes and publishers to take care to to the inevitable ques on of "How long do I have?" Usually,
develop the Church's rich musical tradi ons, and not to discard
what the pa ent wants is someone to listen to them in an
them. Its publica on commemorates the 50th anniversary of the
objec ve manner. Share the hope, and do not paint the picture
March 5, 1967 promulga on of Musicam Sacram, the Va can's
instruc on on Music in the Liturgy. as completely hopeless, or emo onally abandon the pa ent
with words such as "always" or "never." We should be aware
It highlights the advice from Va can II's Cons tu on on the
of our own feelings such as guilt, helplessness and inadequacy.
liturgy - Sacrosanctum Concilium - which points to the Church's
We do not need to validate our competency as physicians by the
musical tradi on as a "treasure of ines mable value, greater even
than that of any other art." survival of every pa ent. When hope is preserved, the pa ent
will show much confidence and apprecia on.
The le er warns that "secular music styles destabilises the
sense of adora on that is at the heart of the Chris an faith, by Xavier Louis, Bandra (W)
Edited, Printed & Published by Fr. Anthony Charanghat for and on behalf of The Examiner Trust (Regn.No.E 10398 Bom.)
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