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Today we experience ‘a comprehensive crisis’ that cannot be reduced to any single sector. Pope Francis says, “The pandemic has led us to realize that what is really in crisis is our way of understanding reality and of relating to one another.” Since education is essential for achieving full human potential, developing an equitable, fraternal and just society, and promoting global as well as national development, it can be a vaccine for the comprehensive crisis of the present era. Analysing and comparing the educational dreams of the Catholic Church as well as those of India will throw light on the paradigm shift that the global education system has to undergo. Education needs a paradigm shift – from ‘syllabus memorization to critical thinking and problem-solving’ so that we come out of the ‘educational catastrophes’ of the present era. We need a renewed commitment to education that engages society at every level. A discussion on the ‘Global Compact on Education’ and the ‘National New Education Policy 2023’ of India will enlighten our efforts to create a ‘renewed global educational system.’
I. Global Compact on Education
On 12 September 2019, Pope Francis launched ‘an invitation to dialogue on how we are shaping the future of our planet and the need to employ the talents of all, since all change requires an educational process aimed at developing a new universal solidarity and a more welcoming society.’ For Pope Francis, education can no longer be reduced to what happens in the classroom. We need educational strategies that give a chance to the transformation and above all to the humanization of the world. To this end, he endorsed a ‘Global Compact on Education’ ‘to rekindle our dedication for and with young people, renewing our passion for a more open and inclusive education, including patient listening, constructive dialogue and better mutual understanding’.

Fr Binny Mary Das

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“The roots of education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet.” These words of the third century Greek philosopher, Aristotle (who lived before Christ), are quoted frequently, so much so that it has become a clichéd jargon that many academicians use. Education refers to the transmission of knowledge, skills, experiences and character traits from one person to another, sometimes from one generation to another. There have been many teaching methods employed since the beginning of time; the first of them being oral tradition, wherein information was passed on orally, even before any writing system was known. Guru-shishya parampara in ancient India, Rabbinic teaching in ancient Israel, slowly evolved into the modern education system. From stone and clay tablets to papyrus, and from books to tablets, the education system has truly evolved. However, as it evolved, corruption started to seep into the education system. Only the affluent could access education; also, politics has a serious monopoly in education.

Sch. Denver A. Pushpam, SJ

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Fr. Joseph Thekkedathu was a reputed Church historian.   A man of slender frame and few words he had a prodigious memory.  He was considered a just and upright person.  Apart from his classes which were very much appreciated, what the seminarians remember about him is how he apologized to them for some decisions he had made as the superior of the community and tried to firmly implement, which he later realized was not to the best interests of the community.  His apology raised his esteem among the seminarians.  Humility has a power, all its own!

Why are Leadership Studies Dealing with Humility?

            In the past it was not common to associate humility with leadership.  However, this is changing.  Some of the reasons why research on leadership is now dealing with humility are the following:

• Interdependence and the need to cooperate: Today, more than before, organizations and marketplaces are becoming interdependent. Let us take the simple example of a school.  Earlier, the principal and the teachers could manage a school more or less well.  Today they are dependent on agencies that sell the books, shops that provide the uniform, organizations that run the school bus, different technicians to deal with the various gadgets they use, the electricity board, the water authorities and a host of other service-providing agencies.  This calls for a capacity to collaborate and elicit collaboration.  Humility is a help for this as it enables a person to change one’s views and be open to the views of others.

Jose Kuttianimattathil, sdb

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I’m among those who firmly believe in the importance of building a strong and healthy personality and character through an internal structure rather than seeking an external structure such as a geographical solution. I often use the example of a drug addict who, even after moving to a totally new city, can quickly find the whereabouts of drug dealers in less than 24 hours.

However, Diego proved me wrong. His story challenged my perspective. Diego is one of the residents in our Hogar de la Paz in Peru, and he faces deep mental challenges. He is locked up in his own world, he does not talk or interact with anybody. Diego suffers from a condition known as coprophagia, which means that he eats his own faeces.

It comes as no surprise that very few people are inclined to approach Diego. Who would want to sit next to someone whose hands, nails, mouth, and teeth are persistently dirty and stinking? And this reluctance to engage with Diego, most likely worsens his self-isolation, pushing him further into his own fetish, to the point of self-harm. It’s as though he is caught in a vicious circle. I think it was Ionesco who remarked: ‘Take a circle, caress it, and it will turn vicious.’

Br Carmel Duca MC

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The recent Notification No. 7/2023, issued on 21st February 2023, by the Central Board of Direct Taxes (CBDT) mandates the use of new audit reports, namely Form 10B and Form 10BB, for charitable and religious trusts. It is essential to determine which of these forms applies to our organization. Previously, Rule 16CC required Form 10BB for organizations under section 10(23C) and Rule 17B required Form 10B for those under section 12AB. This has now been completely changed. Understanding this change is crucial for complying with the updated regulations and managing our income accordingly.

Common Form depending on certain criteria

Rule 16CC and Rule 17B of the Income-Tax Rules, 1962 have been substituted with effect from 1^st April 2023 through the Income-tax (3^rd Amendment) Rules, 2023.  As per the amended Rules, common forms have been prescribed for organizations registered under section 12AB and those registered under section 10(23C) subject to fulfillment of certain criteria.

Fr Alex G SJ

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Saints, in their essence, were quite ordinary individuals who transformed into the extraordinary through dedicated efforts. In his reflections, Fr. Johnson shares the youthful path of Francis de Sales, illustrating how he grappled with inner struggles much like any young person today. However, Francis transcended these challenges by placing his trust and surrendering to Jesus, thus becoming an enduring inspiration for today’s youth.

Mark your calendars! The Congregation of the Missionaries of St. Francis de Sales has designated the period from April 2023 to March 2024 as the “Year of Fransalian Youth.” Get ready to be inspired and motivated!

Studies in Paris

At the tender age of 11 or 12, Francis de Sales embarked on his educational journey, completing his initial studies in La Roche and Annecy, France. Accompanied by three cousins, he departed Savoy on the 25th of September 1578, bound for Paris, where they enrolled in the College of Clermont. During their time in Paris, they resided at Rose-Blanche, in close proximity to the college. Their academic curriculum was modeled after the Jesuit program and adhered to the rules of the University of Paris. Over the course of a decade, Francis diligently pursued his studies, covering a wide range of subjects. He mastered courses in grammar, humanities, and rhetoric, even delving into the intricacies of Greek in pursuit of his B.A. degree. Additionally, he completed coursework in philosophy, natural history, and music, culminating in his pursuit of an M.A. degree, a prerequisite for joining the faculty of Law. In addition to his academic pursuits, Francis’s father, Lord of Boisy, held aspirations for his son to excel in martial arts. Consequently, Francis dedicated himself to mastering fencing, horseback riding, music, dance, and various other skills to fulfill his father’s wishes. Throughout this period, Francis left a profound impression on his teachers and peers. He was known for his sharp intellect, humility, deep religious devotion, and impeccable manners. Following his father’s guidance, Francis actively cultivated connections with noble families in France and even ventured into the royal court. By mingling with these influential circles from a young age, he gained invaluable insights into the highest echelons of French society and politics.

Youthful Struggles

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“The whole of science is nothing more than a refinement of everyday thinking.” – Albert Einstein

Cognitive dimension, the second area of Wholeness:

In our presentation of the ‘Wholeness paradigm’ in the July issue, it was pointed out that the cognitive dimension refers to all our intellectual functions and the processes involved in exercising them. In other words, it pertains to the mental aspects of our every-day lives. I would consider cognitive or intellectual dimension as the central facet of our search for wholeness. While the other five dimensions are essential for achieving wholeness, the cognitive dimension is often the compass that guides us through the complexities of life. It is through our cognitive faculties that we manage our thoughts, beliefs, reasoning and intellectual pursuits. Also, it is our cognitive dimension that assists us in interpreting experiences and understanding what is going on in our lives.

If our intellectual dimension is in fact, the compass that guides our life, then it is important that we understand it with all its intricate functions. Intellectual dimension is all about growing intellectually, sustaining curiosity about all things new, valuing lifelong learning, and responding positively to intellectual challenges that come on our way. It also consists of expanding our knowledge and skills which would help us to discover our potential.

Fr. Dr. Joseph Jeyaraj, sdb

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On October 4th of this year, Pope Francis issued an Apostolic exhortation titled ‘Laudate Deum’ addressing the Climate Crisis. While Laudato Si’ served as a gentle invitation to care for creation, Laudate Deum stands as a clarion action call in response to the Climate Crisis.

So, what is an Apostolic exhortation? An Apostolic exhortation is a teaching document from the Pope, which intends to exhort (encourage) a particular value or action. In addition to Laudate Deum, Pope Francis has authored five such exhortations during his papacy. Notably, three of these exhortations were composed in response to Church Synods.

Here are ten aspects of this exhortation that leave me amazed.

THE TITLE ITSELF

Adopting an interesting literary style, Laudate Deum reveals its reason for being entitled “Praise God” only in its final paragraph, where Pope Francis states, “‘Praise God’ is the title of this letter.” He elaborates, “For when human beings claim to take God’s place, they
become their own worst enemies (LD 73).

I must admit that I initially felt enchanted by Pope Francis’ decision to write Laudato Si’ and Fratelli Tutti in the vernacular Italian language. However disappointment surfaced when I learned of the Latin title for this exhortation. Yet, upon reading the explanation behind the title, my concerns were not only eased, I started to like the exhortation’s title.

Br. Sunil Britto CFC

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Synodality is journeying together as the People of God listening to each person as a member of the Church to understand how God might be speaking to all of us. The three words in the logo in itself speaks for the ultimate aim for which the synod was called, “communion, participation, and mission.” The Holy Father wanted this synod to be participative and universal as our Church is in dire need of listening to her people who are yearning to pour their hearts out. As Dr. Richard Declue notes, “The aim of this synod, then, is more practical than doctrinal.”

Crafted by the Holy Spirit

The ongoing synod unfolds under the guidance of the Holy Spirit. With two phases completed the diocesan phase focused on gathering insights from local dioceses, and the continental phase fostering dialogue among bishops – the synod now enters its crucial third and final universal phase. This stage underscores the collaborative journey of discovery, propelled by the essence of the Holy Spirit’s direction. Currently, the first session of the third and final universal phase is in progress, emphasizing collaborative exploration, attentive listening, and discernment with the Holy Spirit’s guidance.

           Emmanuel Akilan SJ

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Why is synodality making a buzz everywhere? Recently a curious child asked, “Brother, what is this synodality?” When I explained that synodality meant ‘come let us journey together,’ the child promptly asked, “Brother, weren’t we journeying together these past years?” I replied, affirming that while we were, there’s always a way to make our journey more fruitful.  I stressed its threefold purpose: communion, participation, and mission. Yet, I felt my explanation fell short.

Is understanding synodality solely for the educated? Is it just theological jargon? What does “journeying together” truly mean? These thoughts haunted me until I revisited the parish on Sunday. Praying fervently to Mother Mary, I hoped to evade the child’s questions. Fortunately, the boy was absent that Sunday. Walking back to the community after catechism class, my mind raced, and suddenly, a simple realization struck me. Synodality isn’t exclusive to humans; even animals, even insects, follow it.

The term ‘Synodality’ might be a new term but the concept is old. During the time of Mahatma Gandhi, he encouraged all Indians to come under the banner of Non-violence. He was not their superior, not their master in any way. He became one among them though he was the one who inspired all others. Gandhiji gave what he possessed. He asked everyone to do the same: to give what they have. His concept garnered fruit, many people from overseas like Nelson Mandela embraced his ideology in order to earn freedom for their country. The church teaches us the same: to journey together as a united family, to share what we have with others and to create a synodal church that walks, talks and listens just like the early Christian Church (Acts 2: 43- 47).

Novice Jackson SJ

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