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“Whole people see and create wholeness wherever they go; split people see and create splits in everything and everybody.” (Richard Rohr).

In the last issue, we discussed how Unity & Diversity and Relationship & Uniqueness are directly responsible for arriving at Wholeness. We reaffirmed that just as a religious community needs to be united in carrying out its mission, it also needs to respect the differences among its members. In the same way, only that community which respects the uniqueness of each of its members can also enjoy an all-inclusive relationship among themselves. In the present issue, we shall reflect on the importance of Context & Interiority.

What do we mean by ‘Context’? What do we mean by ‘Interiority’? In what manner do Context and Interiority impact our wholeness? Let us try to find answers to these questions here.

Let me begin by retelling a story that most of us would have heard. Once upon a time there was a remote monastery in a village. The monastery was very famous among the neighbouring villages because of the joy, peace and happiness that existed within it. There were 24 monks who lived in great unity. They spent their days in prayer, production of dairy products and wine and wrote many books. Their monastery was always full of people, coming in and going out, and enjoying the hospitality of the monks. In fact, there were more than 50 aspirants who wanted to become monks as well.

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Fr. Dr. Joseph Jeyaraj SDB

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Today is the birthday of Sweety the little daughter of Kush Rathore.  Sister, would you please bless my daughter? Numerous thoughts scrolled down memory lane.

It was 30^th June 2006 – Kush, the naturally timid and introvert boy of class VIII came to the office and asked whether I was free to visit his mother who wished to meet me. Immediately I responded saying I would visit her the same day by 4 o’clock. In the evening before 4, I reached his home along with another sister. After ringing the doorbell, straight away, I went into Mrs. Rathore’s room who was under treatment for cancer. Mr. Rathore was not to be seen anywhere as he was sorrow stricken and down with despair. Mrs. Rathore, knowing that she has already reached the final stage, told me the reason for calling me urgently. She said, my days are numbered, and I want to entrust my son into your hands. Please take care of him. She tried to symbolically place his hands in mine, which I amicably averted and caressed him for her consolation. Within a month she passed away.

In 2009 Kush passed class X in the ICSE board and joined another CBSE School for +2.  Meanwhile I got a transfer and officially I could not entrust him to anybody, but made sure that our sisters, teachers and friends would help him. 2013 – I saw my Kush on FB page. Working in a ship, one hand with cigarette puffed up to the sky, another with a branded whisky bottle. In the background there were a number of labelled bottles of anyone’s choice. Just below the picture, was the comment box filled by all his friends and classmates in sheer appreciation and wonderment as if he had achieved the President’s award for bravery. Away from mother’s eyes and sight what else can they count ? one or two tears fell from my eyes for not keeping up the promise made to his ailing mother. I looked up to see the beautiful picture of Jesus with so many children around. All of them had the facial expression of my Kush. Once again I refreshed the page and wrote a comment below. “My dear son Kush, I love you still…not forgotten you. Are you happy ? I don’t think so. You look shabby and weak. I want you to be Kush Rathore of yester years. Darling son of Mr. and Mrs. Rathore with chubby cheeks, dimple chin, rosy lips…what not. You are simple, innocent, gentle, trust worthy, sweet son of our soil. Kush, my son, I love you.” Your sister Principal.

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Sr Mariella CTC

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Sr Lini’s article aims to raise awareness about the social and emotional needs of transgender individuals, highlighting the need to treat them with respect and dignity instead of marginalizing or criminalizing them. She shares her personal experiences. In 2020, when she was serving as treasurer of Bangalore CRI a panel discussion was organized during the annual ‘Sanyasa Sangama’. The speakers at the panel were a transwoman, transman, ex-prisoner, and child from a foster home. More than 1000 religious men and women were present. Dr. Divya’s story left everyone in tears.  By revisiting Dr Divya’s story in this article, Sr Lini takes us to the painful world of transgenders.

Dr. Divya narrates,

“I was born male and didn’t notice any feminine attributes until I reached the 7th grade. In 8th grade, I participated in a Rangoli competition and won the 2nd prize. However, my joy was short-lived as the boys in my school started teasing me for doing a “girl’s job.” I became a joke to them and I regretted participating in the competition.”

The Metamorphosis

My parents most likely noticed changes in my behavior as I began to embrace my feminine side, but they said nothing. I kept this part of myself hidden from them, and after finishing school, I enrolled in college. However, my differences became more noticeable and my classmates often snickered and giggled at me. Even simple acts like raising my hand in class were met with ridicule. Despite my efforts to conform to traditional masculinity, I failed and became a target of mockery. I felt trapped and hopeless. Nonetheless, I persevered in my studies and graduated as a physiotherapist. Unfortunately, being a transgender person, finding work has been difficult, and I have resorted to begging for a living. Some have asked why I do not seek employment in my field of study, but the reality is that no one wants to hire a transgender individual, regardless of qualifications. In reality I am Dr Divyadarshini, a qualified Physiotherapist, but no one wants to hire me, a transgender, qualified or not.

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Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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I do speak good Spanish, but my accent betrays me. It is more than obvious that I am not a native Peruvian, but people are usually confused because I do not lisp my “z” or my “c” as the Spaniards, and since I lived for over five years in Colombia, a trace of the Colombian jargon is still there. So, most of the time I get the usual, “where are you from?” And when people hear that I am European, they usually continue with, “Are you here for business or love?” When I tell them that neither of those is my reason for being in Peru, they are confused, and when they learn that I am a Catholic (you must insist that you are Catholic) Religious you can almost read a sense of admiration on their face. And if the one who is interrogating you happens to be a taxi driver, then a stereotypical conversation-initiator ensues, “Let me ask you something between men . . .” and I think to myself here we go again. The topic usually revolves around the vow of celibacy and chastity. I must admit that the vow (like all the other three we MCs pronounce) is quite a challenge even for me. You see with “taxi drivers”, one must be careful not to scandalise them but at the same time make them understand that we are not angels. Catholic Religious are still held in quite  high esteem here in Peru, there is something that “taxi drivers” see in us and as one of them once told me, “You seem to be a good man, you inspire trust.” After that he confessed that he could not stop visiting his “spare wheel” as he unashamedly called his lover. He admitted he had a beautiful wife, and two lovely children already in their teens but could not let his lover go, knowing that she was draining his pocket, to the extent of taking away from him money which he had intended to use for his children’s education. As he cried, he acknowledged that occasionally he would call her and meet her to tell her that their relationship was over, and then end up in bed with her again. He was incapable of stopping this destructive behaviour. She became his addiction. On arriving to my destination, he wiped off the tears from his face, charged me the fare and off he went . . . most probably to another amorous adventure. It’s as if he just needed to vent his painful trysts anonymously.

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Brother Carmel Duca MC

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Ann Sieben is an extremely rare kind of woman. She is not a nun, nor is she married. For more than 15 years now, she has been a ‘Winter Pilgrim.’

A 52-year old American, Ann was born and brought up in New Jersey.  Since she studied geological engineering, she received job offers related to nuclear engineering from all over the world. She worked in Germany for seven years. In 2007, when she was in Spain, she undertook her first pilgrimage. Soon she felt called to a unique way of life and so gave up her job. Later that year she walked from Canterbury in England to Rome in Italy. That is when people, who offered her accommodation for the night, began to call her a ‘Winter Pilgrim’.

You may ask what is so great about being a pilgrim. Well, however far her destination may be, she just walks. Secondly, she is a mendicant pilgrim. A mendicant pilgrim is one who literally begs for food while travelling.  She eats anything which people offer her. “Two nights ago,” she told Peter Stanford of the Tablet, “I stayed on a farm where they gave me some of their cheese. Last night, the people who invited me into their home gave me bread. And here in the hostel, I’ve found canned food and pasta. I’m chubby, because I eat anything.”

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Fr Joe Antony SJ

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“Again the beauty and the suffering . . . .  The smallest of us, the most ordinary life, is a wonderful drama with its beauty and suffering, because each human life is a dialogue and journey with our mysterious God and Creator who tries to draw us every day into the fullness of life. That is the drama of your life and mine.”

Redeemed by Beauty is, in Brother Andrew’s own words, the story of “an unfaithful man used by God.” It is the biography of Ian Travers-Ball who felt called to share his life with the poor. After joining the Jesuit order, as an ordained priest in India, he moved on to co-found -together with Mother Teresa of Calcutta – the Missionaries of Charity Brothers.

Redeemed by Beauty, authored by Br Carmel Duca, follows Andrew on this path from gambler to troubadour to sannyasi. It is the human struggle for wholeness and holiness through helplessness, powerlessness, fragility and woundedness. Andrew’s hallmark and uniqueness would be his closeness to and identification with the hidden and suffering people. It is the inner journey of a soul in need of redemption. Together with God, Our Lady and the Church, the poor were the main agents of grace in Brother Andrew’s life. Andrew – always the mystic – could experience beauty amidst the suffering and the misery of the poor, and in the ordinariness of his own life.

Redeemed by Beauty is published in India by St. Pauls Publications and can be purchased at: https://stpaulsbyb.com/product/redeemed-by-beauty-the-life-of-brother-andrew-co-founder-with-mother-teresa-of-the-missionaries-of-charity-brothers/

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I am Sr. Prisca, a temporary professed member belonging to a Diocesan Congregation. I am often unsure about the juridical consequence of being a Diocesan congregation. Could you please explain the differences in Canon Law between Diocesan Congregations and Pontifical Congregations?

Both the CIC and CCEO make distinctions based on whether an Institute of consecrated life is under the authority of the Pope (Pontifical right), the local bishop (Diocesan right), or the Patriarch of an Eastern Catholic Church (Patriarchal right). Canon 589 of the CIC and canons 434 and 505 of the CCEO define the constitutive elements of Institutes of Consecrated Life.

Institutes of Pontifical right are those approved or erected by the Apostolic See, while those established by a diocesan bishop without approval from the Apostolic See are considered as Institutes of Diocesan right. Similarly, Canon 505 §2, 2° defines Institutes of Patriarchal Right as those recognized by the decree of a Patriarch without approval from the Apostolic See. Canon 589 of the CIC states: “An institute of consecrated life is said to be of pontifical right if the Apostolic See has erected it or approved it through a formal decree. It is said to be of diocesan right, however, if it has been erected by a diocesan bishop but has not obtained a decree of approval from the Apostolic See”.

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Sr Navya Thattil OSF

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Bishop Allwyn D’Silva, who serves as the Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay, is a passionate and experienced environmentalist who has been actively involved in the field for more than two decades. He was quick to respond to Pope Francis’s call to protect the planet, as outlined in Laudato Si, and his archdiocese was among the first to embrace this message. As part of his efforts to promote environmental awareness and sustainability, Bishop Allwyn launched the ‘Green Diocese’ project in Mumbai. In his interview with Janina Gomes, Bishop Allwyn expresses his strong commitment to the cause of caring for our planet and making it a shared home for all.

1. Pope Francis’ Encyclical ‘Laudato Si’ has created far reaching awareness in the Universal Church about the need to take concrete steps to stop the disastrous consequences of climate change. How has the Church in India spread this awareness amongst the faithful?

Ever since ‘Laudato Si’ was released in 2015, ecological consciousness and integral ecology are now being spoken about from the pulpit.  The Church in India has spread awareness through several homilies, sessions, workshops, and retreats based on the encyclical.  We have also prepared training material to take the message of ‘Laudato Si’ to formators and to the grassroots.  I would like to add that ‘Laudato Si’ is not simply about climate change – in fact the term climate change appears just eleven times in the entire text, but approaches the ecological crisis holistically.  Pope Francis correctly identifies that the environmental and social crises are not two distinct, but one complex problem.  That being said, I wonder how many lay faithful would have actually heard about ‘Laudato Si’, though many have taken up living more sustainably.  Thus, we in the Church continue with our awareness sessions, and are looking to deepen concrete actions.

2. What concrete steps have been taken by the Indian Church to match actions with words towards meeting its goals?

Many churches have set up parish green teams or eco-cells which take up waste segregation and manage it – including composting, sustainable living and doing away with flex and other single use plastics in a big way.  Where funds are available, we have gone in for solar energy, and rainwater harvesting where feasible.  In rural areas, Caritas India and other church associated groups have been involved in climate resilient agriculture and in sanitation projects.  Tree plantation has also been taken up.  We have had conferences and workshops at national, regional and local levels.  The bishops have demonstrated their understanding of the need for integral ecology and the urgency of caring for our common home.  The Conference of Catholic Bishops of India (CCBI) established the Commission for Ecology in 2019, and a few months ago, the Catholic Bishops Conference of India (CBCI) which comprises all three rites in India, set up an Office of Environment and Climate Change.  The Conference of Religious India (CRI) has also been heavily involved, ensuring that the religious are ably conscientised and can lead by example.

3. What was the reason for starting the Climate Change Desk in Asia?

The German funding agency MISEREOR was very keen to start awareness and action on climate change, particularly among the various Bishops’ Conferences in Asia.  I recall at that time, some fifteen years or so ago, while we were aware of climate change and its consequences, we didn’t really connect it with our faith as such, or even to the different needs of the Global South.  But MISEREOR gave us the thrust we did not know we needed at the time, and eventually the Climate Change Desk was set up as part of the Office of Human Development of the Federation of Asian Bishops’ Conferences (FABC) in 2015.

4. What steps has it taken by its activities across different countries in Asia?

All over Asia, the FABC Office of Human Development / Climate Change Desk has conducted Training of Trainers. We share ecological best practices at regional conferences and through our bulletin; we’ve had seminars for business persons in India and Thailand.  We have also looked into incorporating climate change education as part of the formation curriculum in seminaries.  I would also say, we are heavily involved in integral ecology, given that the thrust of the Office of Human Development also encompasses social issues such as migrants, justice and peace, and so on.

5. What fruits have these activities borne?

Ecological consciousness to a much larger extent than ever before.  Environmental issues were always perceived as being in the sphere of government policy and civil society action, despite caring for creation being a vital aspect of Catholic Social Teaching.  Now we are highlighting creation and eco-spirituality, and the link between our faith and caring for creation is well-established.  Many in the church hierarchy are supportive of, and are willing to take up ecological initiatives.  In so many places, the lay faithful push their parish priest to care for creation.

6. What have the challenges been from both outside and inside with coordinating so many national conferences?

Mainly the church hierarchy has competing priorities – evangelisation, faith formation and other social action issues; so ecological action may not get taken up in the necessary magnitude.  There may not be enough capacity building or adequate funding and personnel.  We also have to be careful about our adaptation needs being overshadowed by mitigation-centric approaches of the Global North.

7. What are the dreams of the Asian Church for the future?

The dream is for a just and resilient Asia – including making and being a green Church in the whole of Asia.

8. Apart from your involvement with the Asian Desk, what are the other responsibilities you have as an Auxiliary Bishop of the Archdiocese of Bombay?

I am Bishop In-Charge of the Social Apostolate – Justice and Peace Commission, Archdiocesan Office for Environment, Health Commission, Labour Commission,

Bishop In-Charge of Thane, Raigad and Navi Mumbai Deaneries, Western Regional Bishops’ Council and Chairperson of the Commission for Migrants

9. Can you tell us something about how you have helped the Church in Bombay to grow?

In the Church we always speak of responding to the signs of the times. Pope Francis talks about the shepherds having the smell of the sheep, of taking the church outside to the peripheries . I would like to say that I have been doing so for more than forty years in the Archdiocese of Bombay.  I have helped set up centres for community organisation (CCOs) in various parishes; been involved in social spirituality and activism – particularly the defence of human rights; in the Prison Ministry and Justice and Peace Commission. In Uttan, I was with the people and participated in dumping ground protests.  Cardinal Gracias established the Archdiocesan Office for Environment in 2013 and appointed me the head .Now as Bishop In-Charge, I am encouraging the youth to get involved.

10. Is there anything else you would like to add?

Having adopted ‘Care for Creation’ as my motto, I wish to make the world a greener place – at least within my sphere of influence.  I am already known as a ‘green’ bishop, but much remains to be done and I continue to care for creation, however possible.

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Bishop Allwyn D’Silva

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The Miracle of Medjugorje (1995) Run time: 105 mts.

Director- Jakov Sedlar

Cast- Martin Sheen, Michael York, Morgan Fairchild, Paul Guilfoyle, George Coe, Ray Girardin

            The movie tells the story of the Marian apparitions in Medjugorje, a small village in Yugoslavia, now Bosnia and Herzegovina, in 1981. The story begins with the death of the Communist dictator, Josip Tito, and the subsequent rise of the Communist regime’s suspicion and persecution of the Catholic Church in Yugoslavia. Against this backdrop, six young Croatians report that the Virgin Mary has appeared to them on a nearby hill, and they are encouraged by Father Jozo Zovko, the vicar of the Cathedral of Mary, to continue their devotions. As the news of the apparitions spreads, a growing number of pilgrims flock to the village, prompting the Communist authorities to become increasingly concerned. The Secretary of the Communist regime, Miodrag Dobrović, condemns the visions and attempts to ban prayers outside the cathedral and force Father Jozo to stop encouraging the pilgrimages. Despite threats and harassment, Father Jozo refuses to comply with the regime’s demands, and continues to lead the faithful in prayer and worship. The situation intensifies when Father Jozo is arrested on false charges and brutally tortured. After a sham trial, he is sentenced to death by a firing squad. Despite the trauma of Father Jozo’s imprisonment and the regime’s persecution of the Catholic Church, the apparitions continue to inspire hope and faith among the faithful in Medjugorje. After the fall of the Communist regime in Yugoslavia, Father Jozo is released from prison and welcomed back to the community. Today, Medjugorje is a major center of Marian pilgrimage, drawing over a million visitors each year. “Apparition Hill” is a powerful and inspiring film that reminds us of the enduring power of faith in the face of oppression and persecution.

The Swimmers (2022) ‧  runtime: 134mts

Director: Sally El Hosaini

Cast: Nathalie Issa , Manal Issa, Ahmed Malek, Matthias Schweighöfer James Krishna Floyd, Kinda Aloush,… Nahel Tzegai,  Dritan Kastrati          

This film depicts the incredible true story of Olympic swimmer Yusra Mardini and her sister Sara, who gained international attention at the 2016 Rio Olympics by standing up for refugees. The movie sheds light on the struggles faced by countless refugees from war-torn Middle Eastern and African countries, who are trying to rebuild their lives in the aftermath of years of conflict and revolution. Yusra and Sara were born into a family of five near Damascus, and their father, a former swimmer with Olympic aspirations, trained them to follow in his footsteps. However, their dreams were shattered when their home was destroyed in a Russian bombing in 2015. With their father’s encouragement, the two sisters and their cousin Nizar joined a group of asylum seekers, leaving their parents and younger sister behind in Syria. They were tricked by a human trafficker into taking a dangerous journey on a leaky rubber boat, overloaded with passengers, including a nursing mother with her baby and a young boy. The boat’s motor died, leaving them stranded in the Aegean Sea. The sisters used their swimming skills to help pull the boat to safety on the island of Lesbos. After landing on Lesbos, the sisters faced xenophobia and exploitation by a trafficker who took their money. They were smuggled into Hungary, where they had to walk long distances and avoid the police before finally reaching Germany. There, they were placed in a cramped refugee camp, but eventually found a sympathetic German Olympic coach who trained Yusra for the Rio Olympics. She went on to compete as a member of the Refugee Olympic Athletes Team (ROT), in the 100m butterfly stroke. Today, Yusra works as a UNHCR Goodwill Ambassador, while Sara volunteers as a relief worker helping other asylum seekers in Greece. The film is a testament to the bravery and resilience of refugees who have faced enormous challenges in their quest for a better life.

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The Word In and Out of Season: Homilies for Preachers, Reflections for Seekers Paperback (2000)

-William J. Bausch

“The Word In and Out of Season” is a book of 60 homilies by Rev. William J. Bausch, a former parish priest of the diocese of Trenton, New Jersey. The homilies are organized according to the liturgical seasons of the Church, covering Advent and Christmas, Lent, Easter, and Pentecost, as well as other feasts and celebrations. There are also sections on parables and lessons from the Scriptures. The book is aimed at two audiences: preachers looking for inspiration or guidance, and the general public seeking spiritual sustenance through the liturgical year. The title is derived from Proverbs, which states, “A word spoken in due season, how good it is!” Bausch believes that the mysteries of Redemption take on the coloring of the seasons, and the saving Word must be expounded and proclaimed accordingly. The structure of the book reflects this idea, moving from season to season, feast to feast, and parable to lesson. At the start of each homily, the relevant scripture text is cited. Bausch’s homilies often highlight deep ideas within the Biblical passages that may be missed due to familiarity.  He illustrates his points with historical details, personal anecdotes, and contemporary references, making the homilies engaging and relevant. The homilies are also opportunities for Bausch to address contemporary life situations, concerns, and issues. Although the examples are often drawn from an American cultural environment, they are relevant to a global audience and invite deep reflection. Overall, “The Word In and Out of Season” is a rich collection of homilies that guide readers through the liturgical year while offering insights into the deeper meanings of the Biblical texts. Bausch’s approach is accessible, engaging, and thought-provoking, making the book a valuable resource for preachers and laypeople alike.

Conversion: The Spiritual Journey of a Twentieth Century Pilgrim

Malcolm Muggeridge  (2005)

“Conversion: The Spiritual Journey of a Twentieth Century Pilgrim” is the fascinating account of Malcolm Muggeridge’s journey from agnostic liberal to Catholic convert. Muggeridge was a highly respected journalist and author, known for his wit, humor, and incisive intellect. He worked in India and Egypt, reported for leading British newspapers, served in British Intelligence during World War II, and interviewed famous personalities across the globe. His encounter with Mother Theresa and Alexander Solzhenitsyn played a significant role in his conversion. Muggeridge grew increasingly critical of the excesses and empty ideals of the cultural, political, and social changes of the 20^th  century. Muggeridge’s account of his spiritual journey is reminiscent of St. Augustine’s Confessions. Like Bunyan’s Pilgrim, he fell into the Slough of Despond, locked up in Doubting Castle, and terrified at passing through the Valley of the Shadow of Death. He confessed that he had always been aware of another dimension beyond the material world and that earthly life could not be the end. This awareness conflicted with his aspirations for material success and fame. Muggeridge describes his conversion as a sense of homecoming, of picking up the threads of a lost life. He likens it to falling in love, with no standard procedure or fixed time. Muggeridge’s story is a powerful reminder of the transformative power of faith and the profound impact that encounters with holy people can have on our lives. Muggeridge’s writing is a mix of humor, satire, and profound insight, and his journey to faith is a testament to the transformative power of grace. This book is an excellent read for anyone interested in spiritual journeys, the power of encounters with holy people, and the limitations of secular worldviews.

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