tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-55738504084383527432024-03-14T12:09:49.158+05:30Tony TotsToeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.comBlogger88125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-74337338111116353882018-02-12T18:59:00.001+05:302018-02-12T18:59:53.286+05:30Formation to Attitudes or Activities<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">The life of an individual and the success of an institution depend on Good Leadership.</span><span style="font-size: large;">Good Leadership is to be judged by the importance given to Attitudes rather than Activities. The animation task of leaders is precisely to promote Attitudes rather than multiply activities. We are often tempted to evaluate a Leader's performance by judging his ability to establish or multiply activities in the administration. Absence of healthy Attitudes leads to the collapse of Activities in an individual or institution. Activities are often a flash in the pan, a showpiece and more often shortlived and fail to deliver without sound attitudes.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">What then are Activities and What are Attitudes?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Activities are in a word, "actions" or programs that we engage in the administration of any community or individual /personal project. What inspires and sustains the activities, are the Attitudes. They reflect an habitual mindset or behaviour that motivate the Activities to realise the personal or community projects.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Leadership involves itself with Attitudes and deals with formation of behaviour or minsets. Those who deal with Activities would more appropriately be called "Event managers" .</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The role of Superio / Formators is more akin to that of Leaders, concerned with the Attitudes of the Formees rather than their Activities. </span><br />
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Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-42116058171154179202017-11-05T19:08:00.001+05:302017-11-05T19:08:55.652+05:30Blessed Rani Maria, martyr<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Blessed Rani Maria was beatified
on 4<sup>th</sup> Nov. 2017 in Indore, India. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">The man who served a prison
term for the 1995 murder of a Franciscan Clarist nun in central India’s Madhya
Pradesh state said that the forgiveness shown to him by the slain nun's family
has given him "new life." Samandhar Singh told Catholic News
Service that he experienced a "rebirth" during a 2002 visit by Sister
Selmy, the younger sister of slain Sister Rani Maria Vattalil, while he was in
prison. Sister Selmy, also a member of the Franciscan Clarist
Congregation, offered words of forgiveness and tied a rakhi, or sacred thread,
on his hand signifying that she accepted Singh as her brother, he recalled in
an interview in his native Semlia village, near Indore. Rakhi is a Hindu
festival that celebrates the brotherly bond between a woman and a man, and
includes a ritual tying of a sacred thread by a sister on the brother's wrist,
whether they are related or not. "It gave me a new life,"
recalled the 46-year-old Singh with beaming eyes sitting at his farm. Singh
said that even his wife deserted him after his conviction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Verdana","sans-serif"; font-size: 16.0pt;">Police said Singh stabbed
Sister Rani Maria 54 times in front of more than 50 bus passengers in a jungle
area near Udainagar allegedly at the behest of money lenders affected by the
nun's social work among village women who were organizing self-help groups. He
was convicted of the murder and sentenced to death, but the sentence was
commuted to life in prison. "I had visited him in the jail on Aug.
22, the day of Rakhi and the feast of Queen Mary," Sister Selmy said,
explaining that she had decided to forgive Singh soon after her sister's death.
Sister Rani Maria's name means Queen of Mary, she said. Sister Rani Maria
was given the title "servant of God" in 2007. </span></div>
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<span style="color: #444444; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 21.3333px;">As we rejoice in the 'Beatification" of the heroic Sr. Rani Maria and look forward to her "Canonization" as Saint Rani Maria, we also recognise the exemplary gesture of Christian forgiveness of the murderer by her family.</span></div>
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Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-76500560844430865642017-06-22T09:57:00.000+05:302017-06-22T09:57:26.188+05:30Parents as educators of adolescent children<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
POPE FRANCIS GIVES 6 KEY TIPS:<br />
1, Be Concrete<br />
2. Be Connected not uprooted<br />
3. Be Dynamic (updated)<br />
4. Be Integrated & holistic<br />
5. Be Supportive not Competitive<br />
6. Be Austere to overcome consumerism</div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-57426719072889066522017-06-17T12:25:00.000+05:302017-06-17T12:25:10.900+05:30Fragilty or Frailty<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">VOCATIONAL FRAGILITY OR FRAILTY.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Fragility and Frailty have two distinct meanings. While Fragility refers to strengths or weakness that are constitutive elements of an object, Frailty describes a strength or weakness that is not in the nature of the object. Thus a glass tumbler is fragile by nature. A tree may be Frail for lack of proper fertiliser. Fragility is something permanent and linked to the nature of an object. Frailty is a temporary condition subject to change.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Is the talk about Vocation crisis today a problem of Fragility or Frailty?</span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-82634778247089076522017-06-09T19:24:00.000+05:302017-06-09T19:24:12.531+05:30Rev. Fr. George Williams RIP at 101<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">At a ripe good age, 101, Fr. George Williams SDB returned to the Lord in early June, 2017. He will be remembered by many in India as our Regional Superior for the English speaking Salesian region, in the late seventies. I personally have several memories of pleasant and not so pleasant interactions with him when I was Provincial in the period 1976 to 1982. The young Province of Mumbai, barely three years old, experienced quite a few problems that required some difficult decisions to be taken. Fr. Williams on an extraordinary visit to the Province had the task of setting things right and dealing with confreres. Though he may have hurt or upset some Salesians among the young and old, he showed great loyalty to Don Bosco and sincerity to the Salesians. In hindsight, I may observe that the province benefitted from his tough decisions.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">May he rest in peace! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-64074516618384636572017-06-08T19:23:00.002+05:302017-06-08T19:23:53.748+05:30UNITY ----- DIVERSITY<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Pope Francis invoked the Holy Spirit's guidance in making a clear choice of "both Unity and Diversity" over "either Unity or Diversity" in our Christian life. Is it a call to realism or compromise?</span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-23856229483988735532017-06-04T21:38:00.000+05:302017-06-04T21:38:54.261+05:30Dissent essential to Democracy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">In a healthy Democracy, good governance implies an honest commitment to the wellbeing of all the citizens and an openness to dissent as its necessary component. India's Democracy today is very unhealthy and dangerously poised to deteriorate into fundamentalism and communal wars slyly instigated by a false patriotism called 'Hindutva'.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The BJP stood shrudely on the platform of "Dissent", during the last National Elections by waging a relentless campaign of dissent in parliament and in the media against the alledged rampant corruption and scandalous scams for which it held th ruling party, the INC, mainly responsible. There was much more of a malignant 'Dissent' and very little of the "Developement' on the National agenda of both parties or more precisely, of all political parties. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The dissent strategy obviously won the elections as the results emphatically showed. While the INC was trapped in a struggled to clear its damaged reputation, the BJP through dissent, mesmerised the citizens into believing that the demolition of the corrupt INC was the key to 'Development' of the Nation.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Three years into governance, and the voices of dissent are rising from the Opposition parties and inceasingly from the poor farmers, the Dalits and minority communities. Will the strategy of Dissent which is building up at different levels, political, social, economic topple the present government of the BJP?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Recently, I read a comment on the erosion of Democracy in India </span><span style="font-size: large;"> with too many instances of intolerance towards the voices of the People that differ or criticize the ruling political party policies. What was trumpeted as a just strategy of Dissent by the BJP is today condemned as Anti-nationalism. From Dissent, BJP has perhaps unknowingly gravitated towards Dictatorship while mouthing toothless slogans of Development promises. How Deceitful!</span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-1086004042343879692017-02-05T19:04:00.001+05:302017-02-05T19:04:35.995+05:30WHY DID JESUS SUFFER?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">After the Original Sin of our first Parents described in the Sacred Scripture, HUMAN LIFE ceased to be a state of eternal bliss in God's Kingdom but became an arduous journey back to Original Blessing. Human Life became a 'return journey" from brokenness to wholeness, from powerlessness to powerfulness, from pain and suffering to health and healing.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;">The Yahweh of mercy, however did not abandon his people but promised and provided leaders who were Prophets, Judges and Kings to lead them through a long journey across the deserts to the "promised land" as recorded in the Holy Bible. While Yahweh remains always faithful to his Covenants the people stumble into broken covenants. Finally the patient and forgiving Yahweh sends His own Son as Messiah to redeem Human Life. Thus Jesus Christ entered our world, born of a Woman and his entire life from the crib of his birth to the cross of his death becomes a model for imitation. "I am the way, the life and the truth," He says, and again: "Learn from me for I am meek and humble of heart". </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Suffering is part and parcel of the Human Life and we all have to make the journey from brokenness, powerlessness and suffering like Jesus did. Jesus sets an example for us to accept and not deny our brokenness; to surrender and not control our powerlessness; and, to respond to suffering, not with curses but compassion. Seen in this light, the life of Jesus teaches us how to live the brokenness, powerlessness and suffering in our own lives. We may even say that Jesus did not experience brokenness, powerlessness and suffering in order to redeem us but rather to guide our own human life to God's Kingdom. Hence, though Jesus has set us a convincing example, we are only redeemed when we accept Jesus Christ in faith and faithfully follow Him who is "our Way, our Life and Our Truth." </span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-81752594943375021562017-01-28T19:51:00.000+05:302017-01-28T19:51:52.890+05:30Bro. Robert Dias RIP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Robert Dias SDB - "Secretary par excellence"!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">As we mourn the sad demise of our Salesian Brother, Robert Dias, on 4th. November 2016, at a ripe old age 93, many memories of his edifying life rush into my mind. Chief among these, for certain, many will agree is: "Rev. Bro. Bob, the committed Salesian at the Secretarial desk." Infact, I remember him as a long time, faithful secretary to Archbishop of Madras -Mylapore, Louis Mathias for many years. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Later, after the death of the Archbishop, Bro. Bob served as Secretary to several Provincials of the Southern Salesian province of Madras, India, extending over Tamilnad, Andhra, Karnataka, Kerala and Maharastra. After the province of Bombay was was established, we requested the experienced secretarial services of Bro. Bob and he willingly took up this responsibility in the provincial office. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Bro. Bob was certainly a great help to me, not only with his secretarial skills but as a committed and convinced Salesian Brother. Observing him at close quarters, he came across as a person of deep faith in God, with tender devotion to Mother Mary and a steadfast attachment to Don Bosco and his own identity as a Salesian Brother. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">He was a very dependable secretary with a keen sense of duty done to perfection. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">He attended to his desk work, tapping the typewriter keys into late nights to get the provincial circulars and other correspondence despatched on time. He was very caring in his dealings especially with young Salesians and quite popular at community gatherings. Even at an advanced age, he surprised us with his active presence on the field, yes, formidable with the hockey stick in hand.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">I saw in Robert,"an elder brother" who lived life with exemplary religious zest. He could be consulted and entrusted with confidential matters. Though much senior to me in age and Salesian profession, and while he was at times quite opinionated, his exemplary faith and respect for superiors was an edifying lesson.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">At the request of the Superiors, Bro. Bob served in the office of the General Secretariat in Rome, for a couple of years. In response to the missionary appeal, Bro. Bob opted for the African missions and here too, we had his precious services as provincial secretary for quite some years in Nairobi, Kenya. Bro. Robert spent the last years of his life as a zealous missionary in Uganda and as per his desire, is laid to rest in the land of the Ugandan martyrs. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">As a genuine missionary, Bro. Bob always manifested a deep love for the people of the mission land rather than the land itself. He leaves us to cherish and even imitate his edifying life of total commitment to God and selfless dedication to his vocation of a Salesian, Missionary Brother. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">May The Lord embrace his most faithful Disciple, Robert Dias SDB and through his intercession bless our Salesian Congregation with more missionary vocations.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-14507855811904818532017-01-28T19:35:00.000+05:302017-01-28T19:52:59.112+05:30Paul the convert<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">25<sup>th</sup>’
January: Feast of the Conversion of St. Paul.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;"> (DB Novena 4<sup>th</sup> Day – Love & Punishment)<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Introduction<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today’s Liturgy draws our attention
to a unique conversion of a sinner Saul to a Saint Paul. On this final day of
the Christian Unity Week, we pray for the conversion of hearts and
reconciliation among all Christian churches, to form one
flock under one Shepherd, Jesus Christ. On this fourth day of the Novena we
pray through the intercession of Don Bosco, for the conversion of our families
from brokenness and sinfulness to wholeness and holiness.
And now, because we believe that God is our compassionate and merciful
Father, who is eagerly, waiting to pardon us not punish us, let us humbly
confess our sins and pray in this Eucharist for our own conversion to communion
with Jesus. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Homily<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Today’s Liturgy draws our attention
to a two thousand year old conversion story of a sinner Saul to a Saint Paul. But why celebrate a conversion? For waging a
cruel persecution against the Disciples of Christ, Saul should have been punished.
Instead, Jesus intercepts this persecutor on his way to Damascus, transforms
him with his forgiving love and enrols him among his Apostles. No punishment but pardon. That’s the story of
God’s mercy that converts every sinner and celebrates a saint. Jesus celebrated
conversions through forgiveness not punishments. The parables like the prodigal
son, the conversion stories of Peter who denied the Master, of Thomas who
doubted Christ’s resurrection, of a sinner woman, Magdalene, of the tax
collector, Zaccheus, and several others recorded in Sacred Scripture, result in
a joyous celebration of Conversions through God’s merciful pardon, not harsh punishment.
<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">With reason, therefore, the Church
commemorates this spectacular conversion of Saul from a fanatical persecutor to
a faithful proclaimer, chiefly to focus our attention on the forgiving pedagogy
of God’s incarnate love, Jesus Christ. Won over, more by the love of the compassionate
Jesus, Saul became Paul, a committed missionary with deep convictions: I live not I, Christ lives in me; for me to
live is Christ; Woe to me if I do not preach the Gospel of Love not
punishments. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Let us reflect on another 200 years
old conversion story of a fatherless, young Johnny who becomes Fr. John Bosco.
He is acclaimed today as the Father of poor and needy youth across the world.
Don Bosco claimed that he received in a dream or spiritual experience at the age of nine, not only his mission to be
an educator, but was also given a sure Guide, the Mother of mercy and a distinct educative method: Not with blows. No
punishments but pardon. To be faithful
to this sacred calling, Don Bosco also claimed that he did not take a single
step without the guidance of Mother Mary, and that he won the hearts of the
young, not by instilling in them an unholy fear of a punishing God, but by inculcating
a spirituality of the heart, based on God’s overwhelming love as
described by St. Francis de Sales, the patron Don Bosco chose for his religious
congregation. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">“Spare the rod and spoil the child”,
has been an oft repeated principle since the time of the Public schools and boardings as depicted in movies
like Oliver Twist and Annie. Corporal punishments were endorsed as a salutary method
of education. It was in fact prevalent in
the 19<sup>th</sup> century. The pious Mummy of Johnny did not exclude
punishments in raising her children. DB recalls how he expected to be punished
by his mother when he had accidentally broken an oil jar. He got ready a cane
to receive a well deserved punishment. Instead, his wise Mama Margaret,
rewarded his honesty and condoned his petty crime, thus teaching the future educator
that pardon does more good than punishment for children. This conviction was
planted in his mind even in that dream or vision at the age of nine, when he
was commissioned to transform naughty children from fighting wolves into gentle
sheep, with a clear mandate: Not with blows or punishments!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Years later, reflecting on his
flourishing youth apostolate, and the growing team of Salesians, initially in
Italy, then in Europe and across the continent, Don Bosco attributed the
successs of his youth ministry to the
divinely inspired method of educating the young: Not with blows. He named
it the Preventive System of education as opposed to the Repressive system, which
was much in vogue at that time and consisted in making the rules known and then
punishing the offenders. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Based on the three pillars of
Religion, Reason and Loving Kindness, the Preventive system of Don Bosco instead,
requires the Parent or educator to be present as a father or mother, a teacher
and a friend. As a father or mother, the educator inculcates an experience of a
loving God, as a provider and caretaker, especially in the early stages of the
child’s life; then as the children grow through
the phases of restless adolescence and intellectual curiosity, the educator accompanies them by his presence as a knowledgeable and
competent Teacher, in a dialogue of reason and patience ; and all through this growing
process , the parent or educator remains present as a true Friend of the youth,
always supportive especially as they mature through the spiritual,
intellectual, moral and social challenges of adolescence, to grow into good children of God and honest citizens of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Did Don Bosco talk of punishments?
Yes, he did. His writings on punishments are interesting and valuable.
“Wherever possible, never make use of punishments” he would say. “The educator
ought to love if he wishes to be feared (respected)”, was another of his
comments. “Withdrawing kindness is a punishment, but a punishment that excites emulation
that encourages one never to repeat mistakes again.” Youngsters who are mischievous find the
strength to apologize, improve their behaviour when they realize that they have
brought sadness to those who love them and whose affection they have lost.
“With youngsters,” Don Bosco would say, “that which serves as a punishment
punishes. It is observed that one look without affection at a certain youngster
has greater effect than a slap. Praise when something is done well or pointing
out the mistake is already a reward or punishment for the children” said Don
Bosco. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">It is obvious that to obtain positive
results in this preventive system of education, there must already exist a
healthy rapport of the parent/educator with the children, as father/mother,
teacher and friend. Not only must the educator love the child, but the child
must feel being loved, said Don Bosco. “Make yourself loved” Don Bosco repeated
often to his Salesians.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When Don Bosco wrote a few pages on
his “preventive system”, he must have surely had his mother, Mama Margaret in
mind. She was father/mother, teacher and friend to her children and to Don
Bosco, in particular, accompanying him all through his youth and later in his
priestly youth ministry. In a circular letter to his Salesians on the subject
of punishments, Don Bosco passed on her message when he wrote: Never resort to
punishments, until you have exhausted all other means. Choose a favourable moment
to correct. Remove every hint that would make people deduce that you are acting
out of passion; carry out your correction in such a way that there is hope for
the one that has made a mistake and possibly, pardon. Strive to make yourself
loved, instill a sense of duty and a holy reverence of God and you will see with
what admirable ease the doors of children’s hearts will open.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">As you may have already realized, the
Preventive System of Don Bosco is in fact, the implementation of the Divine
Pedagogy of Love and forgiveness as against Law and punishment, preached and practised by The Eternal
Educator, Jesus Christ. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Unfortunately, our short tempered society
today has strayed away into the shortcuts of violence and vengeance.
Tragically, as you know too well, our children are exposed even in Homes and
educational institutions to the blows of revenge and rebellion which only breeds
terrorism. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify; text-indent: 36.0pt;">
<span style="font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 115%;">However, like Don Bosco who hoped
against hope and took up the challenge of replacing the Repressive system, let
us confirm our belief in the Preventive System as relevant today and resolve to
educate our children, the Jesus Way, not with blows of punishments but
blessings of pardon seventy times seven.
As Salesian Family that we are, as educators today, we owe it to our children both
at home and in school, to be present among them, as Fathers, Mothers, Teachers
and Friends, who know to pardon and not to punish. Not with blows.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-65808917318247680392016-08-25T18:52:00.000+05:302016-08-25T18:52:48.864+05:30Farewell Fr. Romulo RIP<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Rev. Fr. ROMULO NORONHA rip</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Please accept my deep sympathy as I join the bereaved family, you and the confreres of the province of Panjim in prayer, offering back to God, his precious gift, our dear Fr. ROMULO. For certain, Our merciful Lord has embraced him in eternal bliss. Surely, Mother Mary, whose Assumption we just celebrated, has opened the gates of heaven for him. </span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Fr. ROMULO will be remembered by very many for his friendly dealings and helpful ways. My association with Romulo began in the formation house in Yercaud, Tamilnad, way back in 1962. I saw him as a very practical and hardworking confrere, a trait that defined his whole life, even through the period of his recent illness. Generous in every way, he reached out to others, unmindful of his own health. He was qualified in the technical field and rendered valuable leadership as Rector in our institutions. True to our Salesian Spirituality, he lived a blend of work and prayer and as Novice Master, was an inspiration to his novices. As the Delegate of the Konkan region, he guided the early steps of the present Province of Panjim. Let us remember him with gratitude and draw inspiration from his life of priestly zeal and Salesian commitment.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Farewell Fr. ROMULO and thank you!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Sincerely,</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 13.3333px;">Tony D'S sdb</span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-46592858707467530632016-08-25T18:40:00.000+05:302016-08-25T18:40:02.894+05:30Gospel Leadership<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Gospel Leadership of Jesus Christ – the only answer for all
times.</span></b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Modern
manuals on Leadership point out repeatedly, that the great leaders of history
are those with a vision, persons who
have been open to life, who immersed themselves in it and come face to face
with their own vulnerabilities. Such indeed is the Biblical pattern of
leadership described as the “suffering servant” in Isaiah 42, and repeatedly
exemplified in the Gospels.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The
inauguration of Gospel Leadership takes place at the river Jordan. Jesus Christ
enters into a real human setting, for his baptism. He chooses to become part of
his people, to immerse himself into the community with its need for
repentance and expectation of a Messiah.
At the Jordon, attested by his heavenly Father, as “My beloved Son”, Jesus
achieves the status of a ‘Messiah”, a leader because he deeply experiences the
heart of sinful and suffering people. The temptations in the desert that
followed, tried to distort his Messianic leadership by offering him the lure of
wealth, power and glory. But Jesus remains true to his identity as the Faithful Word, the Obedient Son and the
humble Servant of God’s Kingdom. He embarks on a new path of leadership, as
Isaiah points out, to become one with his people in order to lead them to
eternal Life.. It is this Gospel Leadership of Jesus, the Way, the Life and the
Truth that is the perennial answer to the challenges of changing times.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">Gospel Leadership is Power to serve</span></b><span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">When
Jesus preached on the Kingdom of God, he defined the role of leadership as a
power to serve and not to dominate. To the ambitious sons of Zebedee He said: <i>"You know that among the gentiles,
their so-called rulers lord it over them, and their great men make their
authority felt. This is not to happen among you. No; anyone who wants to become
great among you must be you must be your servant, and anyone who wants to be
first among you must be a slave, to all. For the Son of Man himself did not
come to serve but to give his life as ransom for many”</i> (Mk.10, 42-45). It
is a power which has an enormous influence in the lives of people who benefit
from the service..<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="color: #2a2a2a; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Leadership
ministry of Jesus is characterised by the release of God’s power in service as
He instructs his disciples, expels demons and heals those who believe. The
woman with the issue of blood touches Jesus and power goes out from him. When
Jesus sends out the disciples two by two he confers power on them. “Receive the
Holy Spirit to heal and cast out demons”. Today, genuine Church leaders should feel empowered by the same Spirit and develop ways of making decisions,
organizing life and harmonising gifts in our Christian communities. Sad to say,
like the disciples competing for primacy and positions, not a few in the
hierarchy keep mixing up the two types of power, wanting to rule and lord it
over others, instead of releasing the power of service to others. “This is not
to happen among you”, Jesus still insists. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">The Catholic Priest is
a leader ordained for Servant ministry.</span></b><b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: Calibri; mso-fareast-language: EN-US; mso-fareast-theme-font: minor-latin;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";">If the Catholic Priest
is essentially an “Alter Christus” who
may say with St. Paul: “I live not I, but Christ lives in me,” then his first responsibility is to proclaim
the mystery of God and his Kingdom. The clergy participate in the messianic
anointing of Jesus and are “sent” to
bring Good News to the poor, the oppressed and the sick, in fact to the world
The vast majority of priests and bishops in fact, provide edifying spiritual witness and
committed pastoral ministry. Yet, a vocational crisis in the Catholic Church
persists and seems to be triggered, not so much by doctrinal differences on the
Priesthood, nor by a clamour for a married clergy; but rather, by an increasing
disappointment today with the actual exercise of priestly ministry. Too often,
the Catholic Priest has become a hyphenated or multi-task professional; or a
business manager absorbed in administrative, financial and organizational
activities. Consequently, Priestly ministry, though intended primarily to serve
the spiritual and pastoral needs of the community, suffers from fatigue and disinterest?
Quite often and not without reason, some
priests are labelled as domineering and arrogant, unavailable and partial, and
even dishonest. A few are even publicly criticised and physically assaulted.
The unbecoming behaviour of some is often overshadowing the saintly witness of
exemplary pastors and perhaps attracting fewer candidates to the priestly and
religious life. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: 12.0pt; tab-stops: 45.8pt 91.6pt 137.4pt 183.2pt 229.0pt 274.8pt 320.6pt 366.4pt 412.2pt 458.0pt 503.8pt 549.6pt 595.4pt 641.2pt 687.0pt 732.8pt;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In
chapter 13, the Evangelist John captures the mind of Jesus on ministerial service
. </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt;"> </span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">In a telling
gesture, at a very significant moment of the Last Supper, Jesus dramatically
rose from the table to wash the feet of his embarrassed Apostles. He made it
absolutely clear that his style of leadership which he intended to share particularly
with his chosen apostles, was different from what was exercised in other
secular or religious groups. Gospel leadership as Jesus practised and preached
was never to be associated with dress, and so, no flow ing robes and showy
phylacteries; no reservation for prominent places and therefore, no status
privileges. </span><span style="color: #444444; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div style="border-bottom: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; border: none; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-element: para-border-div; padding: 0cm 0cm 20.0pt 0cm;">
<div class="MsoTitleCxSpFirst" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 20.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;">In Jesus of Nazareth, Part II,
chapter 3, Pope Benedict XVI sees Jesus washing the feet of his apostles not so
much as an act of ritualistic purification.
It may seem that Jesus replaced the ritual concept with a moral diktat,
the purity of the heart. Rather, in the “washing of feet”, Jesus did more. He
gets up from the table to demonstrate first and foremost His Love for his
Apostles. The ritual of washing the feet for Jesus was a gesture of love and a
lesson on humble ministerial
service. “If I, then, your Lord and
Teacher, have washed your feet, you also ought to wash one another’s feet. For
I have given you an example, that you also should do as I have done to you” (Jn
13, 14-15). Note too, that even prior to the Eucharistic
mandate: “Do this in memory of me”, Jesus insists: “… that you also should do as I have done to you” .
This is not ritual but reality which introduces us to the person of Christ. It
is here, at the washing of feet that the High Priest sets himself up as a
Paradigm of ministerial Priestliness and Gospel Leadership. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoTitleCxSpMiddle" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 20.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoTitleCxSpLast" style="border: none; mso-border-bottom-alt: solid #4F81BD 1.0pt; mso-border-bottom-themecolor: accent1; mso-padding-alt: 0cm 0cm 20.0pt 0cm; padding: 0cm;">
<span style="color: windowtext; font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt;">Our
present Holy Father, Pope Francis, a faithful and exemplary Vicar of Jesus
Christ is a proactive Leader with a Gospel vision incarnated in concrete
gestures, such as washing the feet of men and women of different religions at
the Maundy Thursday service. Francis wields power, but as ministerial service.
He believes and lives “collegiality” within the Church and with all Nations,
Cultures and Creeds. Pope Francis is indeed also a prophetic “Dissenter” who
talks and walks in the footsteps of his Master. His fundamental option for the
poor and his solidarity with the marginalised, makes him speak out passionately
when the need arises. His love for the Universe urges him to gently, yet
fearlessly, confront global issues of
our ‘common home”; the miserable plight of refugees and migrants; the inhuman
violence and the urgent need of God’s mercy to transform the world. Pope
Francis’love for the Church is seen in his personal prayerful and ascetical
life; his unsparing commitment to his pastoral responsibilities to foster unity
among Christians; to clean God’s temple, marred by sin and scandal and
ultimately, to lead all nations on the path of mercy to the peace of the
Kingdom. </span><span style="color: windowtext; font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The Church lives in
difficult times but we remain hopeful
that the Gospel leadership of the Risen Jesus Christ, who gave his life
for his sheep is becoming more and more visible in our Church leaders and must
remain so. Like the Master whose Priestly ministry led to sacrifice on a cross,
Church leaders will encounter much suffering and rejection. But then, the grain
of wheat must die in order to be a source of life. This is the ‘zeal for Thy
House’ which consumed Jesus Christ, our eternal High Priest. This quality of zeal
must transform the clergy into Christ-like leaders, in these changing times.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman";"> </span><span style="font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;">The washing of feet must be more than a symbol, the praxis of
humble service and sincere love which always
precedes, accompanies and follows the sacramental ministry of every
priest, the “Alter Christus” for changing times.</span><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 12.0pt; line-height: 115%;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-63088792702200367322016-07-14T21:32:00.000+05:302016-07-14T21:32:42.543+05:30Bro. E.C.Joseph<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Brother Joseph Chowry RIP (10<sup>th</sup>. July 2016)</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">Though the curtains are drawn on the life of Bro. Joe, a
Salesian Coadjutor, his artistic talents and many technical skills still remain
with us in the furniture products and metal works he has left behind to
benefit several Salesian communities of Mumbai, Goa and Gujarat. They remind us
of the original creativity and the edifying spirit of hard work of Bro. Joe.
Though the machines he worked with were loud and noisy, Bro. Joe himself came
across as an unassuming and quiet but professional trainer of technicians. He
will be remembered with respect and gratitude by many of his past pupils in Panjim and Sulcorna(Goa), Borivili(Mumbai) and Chhotauddepur(Gujarat),
who are earning their livelihood in the technical field. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">I will remember Bro. Joe, whom I knew at close quarters, as
a very warm and sincere person. All through the years, as a Salesian, Bro. Joe’s life style remained simple and his
personal needs were very few. His workshop was his chapel and obviously, he
regarded work as worship. He appreciated honest friends and kept his distance
from those he considered “survivors” or “hypocrites”. Beneath his external
reserved behaviour, was a heart that cared for the poor and showed concern for
his confreres. I remember, with a touch of emotion, that it was Bro. Joe who
gifted me the first safari suit for my travel to East Africa. In the latter
part of his life, he began to take interest in the Sacred Scriptures and became
an avid reader of Barclay’s commentaries. Infact, from then, Bro. Joe developed
his own brand of spirituality expressed in enigmatic phrases which found their
way to the community noticeboard. I will remember best and reflect often on his
statement that Jesus wants us to be CHRISTians and not CROSStians. Quite a deep
truth!</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: large;">May Christ Jesus, in whom Bro. Joe believed and lived in a
unique way, his Christian faith and Salesian commitment, embrace him with his
merciful love and lead him to the joys of heaven. </span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoListParagraph" style="margin-left: 340.8pt; mso-add-space: auto; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -18.0pt;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-size: large;">-<span style="font-stretch: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Tony D’Souza sdb</span></div>
</div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-73001888277799354672016-07-09T09:12:00.000+05:302016-07-09T09:12:04.917+05:30Saint Mother Teresa<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;"> <b>" Saint Mother Teresa"</b></span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Whoever said: to live with the saints in heaven is all honour and glory, but to live with the saints on earth is quite a different story, must be talking of pseudo-saints. Mother Teresa who will be canonised by the Holy Father in September, 2016, to me was certainly no such pseudo saint, as few biased critics make her out to be.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">My first personal contact with this holy nun was in 1975, at the Mumbai airport. As I walked through security into the departure lounge, I saw quite a crowd of passengers standing in awe and gazing at a lady who was seated quietly all by herself. As I got closer to the scene, I recognised Mother Teresa in her blue bordered white sari and her simple wooden handle shopping bag. Something within me pushed me to approach her and I did. With a slight smile and a welcome nod of her head, she seemed to welcome me to a seat by her side and this I did as I introduced myself, a priest belonging to the Salesians of Don Bosco Society. Already then, She came across to me as very motherly in our brief conversation. I told her I was looking after a group of seminarians in Pune and requested her for more than an "autograph, a message for my community of young seminarians. This is what she wrote: Teach your seminarians to find joy in sacrifice. I was reminded of mama Margaret's words to her newly ordained son, John Bosco: "Remember, to be a priest is to begin to suffer" .</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Over the years, I have experienced the wisdom of these messages and shared them with others.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Her precious time permitting, Mother Teresa attended the yearly CRI (Conference of India) meeting of Major Superiors. What impressed me was that though she sat in the assembly, mostly quiet and without pretensions, her humble presence and lively interactions with the members had a formative influence on us all.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">But my best memory of Mother Teresa was a spiritual retreat ( 1990 i think) I was invited to animate for the Missionaries of Charity in Nairobi, Kenya. The Retreatants were superiors/leaders of the many MC communities in East Africa and their Foundress was to attend as well. Mother Teresa arrived late night on the eve of the retreat. She was received warmly at the airport by a small group of sisters and treated respectfully by the immigration and customs officials. However, there was one problem. The young novice from Poland who accompanied Mother Teresa was held up at the immigration as at that time Poland, a Communist country, had no diplomatic relations with Kenya. The Chief Immigration Officer could not be immediately contacted for special clearance. The Officer on duty suggested that Mother Teresa could proceed to her convent. The Polish sister, they assured her, would be well cared for while she awaited clearance. Mother Teresa stayed with the sister saying: "You have held back my daughter and I must stay with her". The Chief Immigration Officer was finally contacted by 2am and an entry permit granted to the young novice. What a motherly gesture.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">The next morning, despite a sleepless night, Mother Teresa was punctually present at 7am in the chapel, for the first meditation talk of the retreat. Infact, she participated prayerfully in all the liturgical services and listened attentively to the meditation talks, seated devoutly in the last row. Overwhelmed by her humble presence, I concluded each talk by sitting at her side and inviting her to share her own reflections on the topic. And she did so, very modestly. While I preached from a pedestal of theory, She preached from the pews and her sermons were not just words but real acts of selfless motherly love for the poor, the sick and abandoned.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">Preaching in the presence of a saintly Mother Teresa whom I always held in high esteem, was quite a privilege, but also a nervous experience. And when she approached me in childlike simplicity for spiritual guidance followed by confession, my nervousness reached its climax. I just could not remember the prayer of absolution. Instead, Mother Teresa was one penitent who converted me into a repentant confessor.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">At the end of the retreat Mother Teresa thanked me profusely and thoughtfully gifted me a rosary for my own Mummy. She even accepted my request to visit Don Bosco Boys Town in Nairobi the following day. Unfortunately, she fell sick with cold and fever. Nevertheless, motherly as ever, to assuage our disappointment, she sent me an apologetic regret note and a bus load of her sisters to spend some time with our poor youth.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">In a world terrorised by destructive forces and hate crimes especially against women, let us resolve that the canonization of Mother Teresa will not only place her among the saints in heaven, robed in honour and glory, but inspire us all to recognise and respect God's "motherly" image in every woman who walks on our streets and lives in our homes.</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #212121; font-family: wf_segoe-ui_normal, "Segoe UI", "Segoe WP", Tahoma, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 15px;">May God's Word: Whatsoever you do to the least of my brothers/sisters, you do unto me, ring not only in our ears but find expression in our lives as it did in the motherly life of the great 'Missionary of Charity', the Motherly Saint Teresa.</span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-63360556962864687642016-04-30T22:17:00.001+05:302016-04-30T22:17:34.597+05:30Globalization of Indifference<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">It has been said that the opposite of Love is not Hatred but Indifference. Very true indeed! </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Infact, in the book of Revelations God has this message for the church community in Laodicea: Because you are neither hot nor cold , I will vomit you out.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pope Francis remarks that the increasing violence in our society today has its roots in what he terms, 'the globalization of Indifference' shown by good people. Perhaps, there are more good people in our society who prefer to be indifferent rather than committed to the demands of love. Such good people are only 'good for nothing' . </span><br />
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Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-45729337516060531692016-04-27T21:57:00.000+05:302016-04-27T21:57:37.735+05:30Arise! Stand on your feet.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Addressing the youth during the special Jubilee Mass on 24th April, 2016, Pope Francis exhorted them, saying: Stand on your feet. God created us to stand on our feet. He reminded the youngsters of the words of Jesus; Arise (stand up) and Walk.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">T</span><span style="font-size: large;">rue to this statement, confirmed by his own spontaneous gestures, Pope Francis is infact, 'a pastor on his feet', physically and spiritually. His indefatigable zeal and zest is stirring the lives of all people, to stand up, to 'rise and walk'. </span><span style="font-size: large;">Despite his age and limp leg, Pope Francis gives no thought to his own comfort. Observe him during the liturgical celebrations and at the general or private audiences, following the rituals of ceremony or courtesy, be it walking, climbing steps or riding in the popemobile. He is indeed, physically on his feet, alert and attentive and betrays no signs of fatigue. Strengthened by the Spirit!</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">More significantly, Pope Francis is 'a pastor on his feet', with no questionable leanings, but one who stands firmly on Gospel convictions, faithfully proclaiming God's mercy and walking in the footsteps of the Good Shepherd, among the marginalised immigrants and refugees. Strengthened by the Spirit!</span><br />
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Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-17312975473831025432016-04-08T10:19:00.001+05:302016-04-08T12:26:14.101+05:30SORROWFUL MYSTERIES<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">The five Sorrowful mysteries of the holy Rosary highlight the various types of human sorrow that Jesus endured not only from Getsemany to Golgotha but all through his earthly life, from the Crib to the Cross:</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* It was a mental torture that anticipated the reality and sweated blood; </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* It was a physical pain inflicted by the scourgings, the nailing to the cross; </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* It was a deep pain of humiliation; it was a moral pain of shame and humiliation, condemned as a criminal and mockingly crowned with thorns as king of the jews; </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* It was a painful journey trudging to calvary and stumbling under the weight of a heavy cross; and finally, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">* It was the pain of death, a sting of a final defeat upto the last breath.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The sorrow and pain Jesus experienced was not merely an exhibition of endurance but a practical lesson for his disciples to follow Him, carrying their own crosses/sorrows. Rather than dabble with questions like why pain and sorrow, Jesus provides a challenging example to imitate, reminding us that the "disciple is not greater that the Master".</span><br />
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Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-74054893963118025732016-04-07T18:52:00.000+05:302016-04-07T18:52:07.417+05:30Broad-minded & Big-hearted<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">At Divyadaan Institute of Philosophy, in March 2016, six students of the MPh concluded their studies and may be considred as Philosophy graduates. But now, what! What I mean to ask is, if all the painstaking five-year efforts to delve into the lofty thoughts of acclaimed and not so acclaimed Philosophers resulted in a certificate of qualifiication as a teacher of Philosophy? I believe that Philosophy is not just an academic subject of intellectual content or a mere history of philosophers and their ideas. While it is all this, Philosophy is not a terminus ad quem achievement, but rather, a transforming process that makes a person broadminded and bighearted - developing a mind that expands to accommodate and dialogue with the ideas of others; a heartwarming process that enlarges and embraces a wider circle of people. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">A philosophical mindset that is stubbornly imprisoned within one's own thoughts and ideas fails to enrich the personality, leading to an intellectual paralysis. Worse still, a philosophical mindset that generates mostly self-centered emotions of love and concern leads to, pardon the expression, a constipation of the mind and heart which develops into a spiritual constipation which which refuses to let go of erroneous concepts and experiences in order to give space to the God of Revelation. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Hence to what purpose, if the discipline of Philosophy fails to develop a personality thats may be defined as "Broadminded and Bighearted. </span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-4432367199498882942016-02-22T18:45:00.000+05:302016-02-22T18:45:54.407+05:30Mercy and Pardon.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Is there a distinct difference between Mercy and Pardon or are the two interchangeable and mean the same? </span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Mercy, I understand is a freely bestowed grace which has its source in the overwhelming and spontaneous Love of God for his people. Pardon or Forgiveness instead, though still a grace, is a response to man's appeal and flows from God's Justice. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">While Mercy defines the very identity of the I AM, as essentially a magnanimous, all-embracing Love, </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Pardon or Forgiveness is linked to Divine Justice and may include reconciliation through some sanctions or penance. </span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-22670968525147556252016-01-26T20:01:00.000+05:302016-01-26T20:01:56.604+05:30Conversion of St. Paul.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<b><span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Conversion of St.
Paul.<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
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<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Pope
Francis has been the talk of the town , rather of the world, ever since he
appeared on the Vatican gallery with his first humble utterance “pray for me”.
Just a few years in the Chair of St. Peter and our Holy Father has attracted
the respect of world leaders in the
corridors of power and the gratitude of poor refugees and immigrants on the periphery of society. And yet, when a journalist asked him: “Who is
Jorge Mario Bergolio?” “I am a sinner” came the frank and humble public
confession from one whom we all address as the Holy Father. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Our
self-conceited and self-righteous society of today, trapped by inhuman rivalry
and cruel violence, lives in a world of damaging denials. We maliciously hide
our sins and stubbornly deny we are sinners. We always accuse the other and
never admit our own faults, falsely pretending that we seek peace and justice,
and we moan: “Isn’t it , isn’t it
terribly sad, I am so good and the world is so bad”. Notice however, that we
Catholics, Like Pope Francis, admit that we are sinners.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">At
every Holy Mass we begin with the humble acknowledgement of our sins, <b><i>saying:
“Through my fault, through my fault to my most grievous fault” and</i></b> then
we pray: Lord have mercy, Christ have mercy, Lord have mercy. In the
Sacrament of Reconciliation, we begin by saying:“Bless me father, for I have
sinned,” and then we are absolved with
the words: “May Almighty God have mercy on you, forgive you, your sins and lead
you to eternal Life. Indeed, we confess we are sinners and God declares us
sainta!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Today,
in the feast of the conversion of St. Paul
, we have an edifying example of the power of God’s mercy transforming a
notorious sinner into a notable saint, a Hebrew Saul to a Christian Paul. The story
reported by St. Luke in the Acts of the
Apostles in Chptrs: 9, 22 and 26; and in St. Paul’s own letters to the
Galatians 1, 13-17; and Phillipians 3,4-7 tells us of a self-righteous and
self-conceited Saul, a young Orthodox educated
Jew and a Roman citizen. Saul is all set
on a vicious mission to imprison the
disciples of Jesus Christ and wipe out their Resurrection claims. But suddenly,
Saul’s journey to Damascus is intercepted by a bright light; he
falls blindly to the ground, and a voice calls him by name, Saul, Saul, why are
you persecuting me?; a dialogue ensues; Who are you, Lord” ? Asks the blind
Saul, “I am Jesus the Nazarene whom you are persecuting,”,
admonishes Jesus. Saul is repentant and asks: What am I to do?
And Jesus directs him to the devout Ananias who is himself inspired in a vision
to restore Saul’s sight and set him on a
path pf conversion, from Saul, a fanatical persecutor of Christians to Paul, a
zealous Apostle of the Gentiles. This genuine
conversion from sinner to saint offers
us three reflections: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">First,
that spiritual Conversion is always an initiative of our merciful God; It is
Jesus who first confronts Saul and admonishes him for his vicious plans; <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Secondly,
Conversion takes place only in a repentant sinner, open to God’s forgiveness. Shocked
to realise who he was persecuting, Saul does not defend nor deny his sin but
seeks a solution: What am I to do? <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Thirdly,
true Conversion is the gift of God’s mercy, turning a sinner into a saint. Saul the over-zealous Jew, becomes by the
mercy of God, Paul the committed Christian; from an aggressive persecutor to a
zealous proclaimer of the Faith.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">In
St. Paul conversion means to be totally focussed on Jesus Christ; Now on his
slogans are: I live not I, Christ lives in me; For me to live is Christ; Woe to
me if I do not preach the Gospel; All I want is to know Christ and Him
crucified. I long to be dissolved and be with Christ. Now on, graced by God’s
mercy, St. Paul commences a “spiritual work of mercy” of admonishing the
Christians to shun sin and embrace sanctity.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">We
have other Conversion stories in the Gospel of Sinner-Saints, like Mary
Magdalene, Peter, Zacheus, etc. and what is most characteristic about them is
not so much the turning away from sin as the permanent following of Christ and no
turning back.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">The
Lives of all Saints reflect this “Conversion” spirituality. We notice also a
Conversion pattern in the life of a nine year old country boy, Johnny whom
Jesus admonishes in a dream: “not with blows” and sets him on a mission to be the Father of youth, a channel of God’s mercy to the young. Here too,
it is Jesus who initiates the conversion of Don Bosco who wholeheartedly
devoted himself to the conversion of the young and the poor, transforming them from street boys
to altar boys. He did so, particularly through the sacraments of the Holy
Eucharist and Reconciliation (Confession) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">God
acts in our lives too. He takes the initiative and admonishes us too. Through
our conscience or through our family or good friends, Jesus admonishes us and
invites us to the Sacrament of mercy to be embraced by his forgiving love. Are
we in denial declaring ourselves: I am not a sinner! Listen, Jesus says “I have
come for sinners” and repeatedly assures us: Go, your sins are forgiven. Let us
recall also that scene in the Gospel where Jesus declares that the Publican at
the backdoor who prayed, “Lord forgive me a sinner” was more pleasing to God
that the self-righteous Pharisee at the altar. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">Confession
of our sins draws down the mercy of God
and is the surest path to personal holiness, family peace and world harmony. Don Bosco’s
pedagogy of sanctity was to help his boys to understand that the Confessional
is God’s throne of mercy and not a seat
of judgement and condemnation. He made himself available at all times and in all places, for this
ministry of mercy. Holiness flourished among the youth in his oratory.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: "Times New Roman","serif"; font-size: 14.0pt; line-height: 150%;">May
the Sacrament of Reconciliation for us, young and old, be an experience of
conversion of a prodigal son or daughter being embraced by an all forgiving
merciful Father who says: Even if you sins are red as scarlet will make them white as snow. "Go and sin no more".<o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-5254082140571260892016-01-02T18:36:00.000+05:302016-01-02T18:36:44.222+05:30WHAT'S NEW THIS NEW YEAR - 2016?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">The New Year is not about changing 'dates' but rather changing 'directions'. The Christmas experience of the Wisemen led them to change direction away from the murderous King Herod. A sure sign that we have encountered the Baby Jesus this Christmas will be the inspiration within us, to change the direction of our lives so often trapped in selfishness sins and to move towards a New Year, to all that is bright and beautiful, generous and kind.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The New Year is not about changing 'calendars' but more about reinforcing 'commitments' in our day to day life, like Tubby. The story goes that the statue of the Baby Jesus was missing from the crib in the parish church. An anxious search by the sacristan spotted the Baby Jesus in the toy red pickup van which Tubby was pushing around the church compound. "What are you up to, Tubby"? Well, I am keeping my promise to Jesus", came the innocent reply. Tubby had prayed for a nice toy car at Christmas and made a commitment to give Jesus the first ride. In fact, isn't Christmas the celebration of a promise, a commitment of God to send His only begotten Son to redeem us?</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The New Year is not about changing 'actions' but rather, building attitudes to face the future. Life as we have experienced thus far is an uneven blend of Adventures and Inconveniences. A closer look will reveal that they are in fact the same, depending on our attitude.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">An inconvenience is actually an adventure negatively considered and an 'adventure' is actually an inconvenience positively viewed. The Christmas event too could be described negatively, as a series of inconveniences. With the eyes of a positive faith, we celebrate instead, the unique adventure of a God becoming man. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Salesian Strenna 2016, presented by the Rector Major invites us: "With Jesus, to journey together with the young, the adventure of the Holy Spirit".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Let's wish each other, an 'adventurous New Year, 2016!"</span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-44197030966778778022015-12-28T11:43:00.000+05:302015-12-28T11:43:48.183+05:30GOD’S MERCY in merciless times<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">CHRISTMAS homily<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN" style="font-size: 14.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;">25<sup>th</sup> December; 2015 </span><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 18.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;">GOD’S MERCY in merciless times<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Introduction.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This year, on the feast of the Immaculate Conception,
8<sup>th</sup> Dec., Pope Francis opened the Holy Doors of the Church and
ushered us into the Extraordinary Holy Year of Mercy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Tonight, as we stand on the threshold of Christmas
2015, let us open the doors of our lives to our wonderful God who draws us into
his merciful embrace with the tender inviting arms and the innocent
warm smile of a child; Tonight, the Holy
Spirit moves us in turn to spontaneously embrace the Babe of Bethlehem, Jesus Christ, the Son
of God and Savior of the world. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Christmas! What
a singular strategy of Divine Mercy which only a loving and forgiving God could design for us.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Let us begin our Christmas Eucharist with contrite
hearts, acknowledging our unworthiness and humbly imploring God’s mercy fo
transform us into Merciful Christians. (pause) <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">I confess ……May Almighty God have mercy on us ……. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> </span><b><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Homily</span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">Notwithstanding the growing
commercialization of Christmas with sinister efforts to reduce it to a secular
holiday or to replace it with Good Governance Day; and despite the increasing
hostility towards Christ and Christians, in several countries, you and I are
here tonight to confirm our Faith and proclaim with joy to the world that
mankind will live for evermore because of that First Christmas, in Bethlehem. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal;">The
First Christmas was not a ‘bedtime story’ that lulls us to sleep in the
silence of a holy night and wakes us up with Jingle bells and Santa’s stockings; <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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</span></span></strong><!--[endif]--><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal;">the First Christmas was not an
expensive birthday party with colorful dresses and delicious dishes, celebrated
under star-studded skies;<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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</span></span></strong><!--[endif]--><strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal;">the First Christmas was not even a
musical extravaganza of ‘red-nosed reindeer songs’ and dancing melodies. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal;">Lest we get trapped in such
distorted festivities, and abandon the sacred mystery of Salvation and the
deeper message of Forgiveness, let us tonight revise our Bible history and
renew our Christian faith in the greatest story ever told – Christmas,<o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal;">Far from being a philosophical myth
or theological dogma, the First
Christmas, as the Holy Bible states,
marks the History of a Lifetime
Mystery – God with us – Emmanuel!</span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> <strong><span style="font-weight: normal;"><o:p></o:p></span></strong></span></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal;">Since the last 2015 years,
Christmas commemorates the greatness and the dignity of the human person,
created by God to his own image. <o:p></o:p></span></strong></div>
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<strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; font-weight: normal;">At this time, we are celebrating
God who loved the world so much that in the fullness of time, He sent his only
begotten Son, Jesus Christ, born of a woman, to redeem His sacred image,
distorted by Original Sin. </span></strong><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16pt;">It is because of this redeemed image of God imprinted in every human
person that any offence against the human person is an offence against God and
every denial of God ends up being a denial of the greatness and the dignity of
the human person. In order to teach us what it means to be truly human, and to
save us from further abuse of humanity,
God became man in Jesus the Christ, fully human and always divine. Christmas
must impress upon us, the sacred worth and sublime dignity of every human life
from the first instant until natural death.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Christmas, as the angels sang, is a feast of Joy to
the world. giving glory to God in the highest and bringing peace to people of
good will. Christmas is a family feast of Christ the Light who enlightens our homes and brightens our universe as proclaimed by
the Prophet Isaiah: The people that walked in darkness have seen a great light;
on those who live in the land of deep shadow a light has shone. You have made
their gladness greater, you have made their joy increase; they rejoice in your
presence as people rejoice at harvest time. For there is a child born for us, a
son given to us and dominion is laid on his shoulders; and this is the name
they give him: Wonder-Counselor, Mighty-God, Eternal-Word, Promoter-of-Peace</span><b><span lang="EN" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-ansi-language: EN;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">However, while we
celebrate Christmas 2015, we are sadly
aware that Life, particularly, Human
life is murdered and destroyed by the merciless culture of death. Today, our
faith in Christmas as a celebration of pardon and peace is challenged. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt; mso-bidi-font-weight: bold;">We witness Human Life not as
a dignified triumph, but a degrading tragedy marred by beastly </span><span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Terrorism and Bomb blasts; Communal
Violence and mini wars; Abortion and
Euthanasia; murders and Suicides; Caste conflicts and Honor Killings. Called by God to be stewards of his creation, we are recklessly
destroying our “Common Home” by exploiting Nature and poisoning the
environment. Global warming and “climate change” are sharp warnings that our
world is hurtling down to Doom’s Day. What we are seeing today is the entrenching of the ‘Culture of Death and Darkness’ in the
world at large and even infiltrating into the hearts and minds of our
non-violent and peace-loving people of India.. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">In this scenario, we disciples of Jesus Chris must not be prophets of doom and
disaster. Not at Christmas time! Rather, inspired by the encouraging assurance
of Jesus, “Do not be afraid, I am with you till the end of times” and guided by
the Holy Spirit through the upfront prophetic and pastoral leadership of our
Holy Father, Pope Francis, we Christians must firmly believe and proclaim that
God still loves the world; We await in Hope and believe that Mankind will live for ever more, because Christmas
celebrates the fact that God full of mercy in Jesus Christ will come again in power and glory to establish a counter
culture of Peace over Violence, Light over Darkness, and Life over Death.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">By the solemn opening of Cathedral doors, the world
over, and announcing The Extraordinary
Holy Year, Pope Francis urges us, the Church to boldly confront the merciless
and meaningless destructive forces of Evil by upholding the banner of God’s
Mercy. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;"> I</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">n his papal letter, entitled ‘Misericordiae vultus’,
the Face of Mercy, Pope Francis chalks out a a very practical Peace plan of
action for us to follow. He reminds us that Mercy is not an abstract concept
but rather, a face to recognize, a truth to contemplate and a recipe to serve
through corporal and spiritual works of Mercy.</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">
</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">Jesus</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">by His own example</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">has given us a Gospel of Mercy, so full of
simple parables, compassionate images and forgiving episodes.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">This Holy Year is
Mercy time, and Christmas heralds an extraordinary campaign which states
that the only answer to satanic evil and cruel violence, is not destructive
retaliation but rather, better Communication and patient Dialogue to obtain
Peaceful justice and genuine Communion
in our lives, in our families, among nations and throughout the universe.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">To us Christians, Christmas is Divine Mercy Incarnate
urging us to welcome the God of forgiveness through the sacrament of Confession
and reconciliation and nourished by the
Holy Eucharist, to be forgiving and merciful ourselves. Yes, Christmas is a
Gospel Imperative to love and protect all forms of life , but especially to
defend Human Rights against abortion, euthanasia, female infanticide, caste and
honor killings.<i> </i><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Christmas is infact, a <i>missionary mandate. Jesus
Christ, sent by our merciful Father, has chosen us and sends us to share in his
mission</i> of Forgiveness. As partners with Jesus, the Prince of Peace, let us
make Christmas 2015 a season of reconciliation , love and joyful peace,
within our own families and communities;
our neighborhood and work places. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: 16pt;">May Mary of Nazareth, whom we devoutly address: Hail
Holy Queen, Mother of mercy strengthen our Faith in Jesus, the Divine Mercy
and</span><span style="font-size: 16pt;"> </span><span style="font-size: 16pt;">sustain our Hope as we journey
through this vale of trials and tears.</span></div>
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<span lang="EN-US" style="font-size: 16.0pt;">Empowered by the Holy Spirit and nourished by the
transforming Bread of Life at this Holy Eucharist let us go out to celebrate not only a merciful Christmas
Day -2015, but a Holy Year, 2016 of Reconciliation, Justice and Peace.<span style="background: #A0FFFF;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-26362001743757171152015-12-08T10:37:00.000+05:302015-12-10T18:57:01.493+05:30From CLIMATE CHANGE TO CLEMENCY CHANGE.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">These days of December 2015, at the Paris Summit, our concern is focussed on the need to arrest the global warming leading to a "Climate Change" that threatens Human Life and consequently Nature itself. We hope the conclusions emerging from the PS will awaken our joint responsibility to respond to the challenge and implement certain strategic action to save our universe. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Pope Francis in his encyclical, "Laudato Si" , has alerted not only the Church but the entire world to address this major concern for our "common home" and invited prayers for an effective resolution at the Paris Summit. A resolution that admits our common admission of guilt and a greater solidarity of involvement in the global campaign to arrest Climate Change. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But now, on 8th. December 2015, with his letter, "Vultus Misericordiae", Pope Francis has pointed to an even major concern than Climate Change. We may term it "Clemency Change". In recent times, the world over, dehumanising and destructive wars are tearing into the prosperous and peaceful fabric of our human society our society. As never before, as Pope Francis observes, we are already trapped in a "Third World War", piecemeal. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The need for "Clemency Change" is urgent, both at national and international levels. The strategy that Pope Francis has indicated, is a sincere belief in the "God of mercy" who chose to reveal His merciful heart in the mystery of the "incarnation of Divine Mercy".</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Created to the image of God, the merciful, and guided by the incarnate manifestation of Divine Mercy, Jesus Christ, are called to be in turn merciful brothers and sisters to each other. The concrete and personal experience of God's mercy, Pope Francis believes, will transform our generation into a merciful society,</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">"Be merciful for I am merciful".</span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-67010533060320971272015-12-08T09:55:00.000+05:302015-12-08T09:55:16.686+05:30Personal and Community Faith and Miracles.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Jesus makes it very clear that miracles do not lead to faith but faith that is manifest in miracles. In most cases of healing, it is the faith of the sick person that Jesus ascertains and the miracle follows. "Your faith has made you whole", says Jesus. It is not only personal faith in Jesus that benefits individuals like the blind Barthimaeus, or the woman with the issue of blood but also a community faith that cures the ten lepers.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">But personal faith in Jesus is not only for personal benefits. In the Gospel of Luke 5, 17-26 we have an example of an "altruistic faith" of some in Jesus, that works miracles to benefit others. Jesus lauds the absolute faith of the friends of the sick man who is lowered through the roof and who benefits from their faith.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Faith in Jesus, therefore, is not only for personal benefits. In fact, for us who are Priests, the quality of our faith in Jesus must be altruistic and benefit the people we minister too. Like the faith of the friends of the paralytic, our faith in Jesus must find us proactive in bringing the physically or morally sick people into His presence full of confidence in the Divine Physician.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">The Extraordinary Holy Year must find us more attentive to the altruistic dimension of our faith for the benefit of those we serve. </span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-5573850408438352743.post-47310604307587073552015-10-07T18:21:00.002+05:302015-10-07T18:21:45.457+05:30Marriage - basis of natural society.<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-size: large;">Marriage, monogamous or polygamous, in most cultures and countries, is a bond of love between man and woman. It has always been celebrated as a public social event and not just a private contract between men and women. Marriage is not mere religious rituals but responsible rights engaging not only the marriage partners but society itself which sees itself charged with the task of providing support with appropriate means and sanctions, all intended to protect the institution of marriage and the common good of society. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">The Catholic Church, since its inception has upheld the teachings of Christ on marriage and family, as ordained by God Himself.</span><span style="font-size: large;"> So, " What God has put together, let no one pull asunder". However, Social needs, cultural pressures and the "hardness of hearts" have led Marriage through a history of polygamy, polyandry and monogamy to build an "extended family" and in more recent times to form a "nuclear family". Children were always considered a blessing of God.</span><br />
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<span style="font-size: large;">Catholic Church doctrine, based on Sacred Scripture defines marriage as a sacramental communion, by mutual consent between one man and one woman and ordained towards building up a home and family of children. It is a bond essentially of mutual love and safeguarded by a legal contract recognised by the secular state and upheld by the Church as a sacred, indissoluble</span><span style="font-size: large;"> sacrament, "till death do us part</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Today, the mis-understanding of Marriage is calling to question not only the very composition of a one man one woman in a permanent bond but proposing "same sex" unions and easy "Divorce". The concept of home and family blessed with children, the fruit of the marriage communion is reduced to an "orphanage" of adopted children and aborted embryos. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Marriage is not in crisis. It has been a success story. It has for centuries been the matrimonial joint-pillar that has been the basis of domestic, national and international families the world over. What is in crisis is the understanding today of Marriage, Family and Home.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">Rightly concerned about the situation of humanity torn apart by unbridled liberal thinking and feeling responsible to conserve God's Creation and Creatures in submission to His Will, The Catholic Church, through a prayerful Synodal discernment is entering into dialogue within the Church, to address the pains and problems that obviously underlie the distorted thinking.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;">Will the ongoing Synod of Bishops meet the challenge? </span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-size: large;">". </span></div>
Toeknee, sdbhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/17435576871410794637noreply@blogger.com0