PUBLISH AN INTERNATIONAL EDITION
I have been fascinated by recent issues of MAGNET, especially the three that have come out in 2021, with special features on mental Health and Catholic education. Living in Africa for 31 years (including eight years as a Salesian in Kenya), I see its relevance of those cover stories especially in the African context.
Christian missionaries in general have been contributing in a big way towards the education of young people in Africa. I must admit these years as a lay person and with my experience setting up and assisting in the running of Centres for technical skills training for young people who are financially and academically disadvantaged, those involved in Christian education could certainly become more attuned to the powerful and challenging ideas coming from your articles.
Besides, the various insights coming out of MAGNET on Mental health are a call for us in Africa as well to do more in this field. In these recent years there is a growing awareness in our part of Africa to take away the stigma attached to mental health problems and to stop considering it as a matter for traditional healers.
What troubles my mind when I read MAGNET and get touched by the wealth of practical insights and call to action, is how to spread the message by getting MAGNET reach more people in Africa. I am now resolved to do shop talk (starting this week) with a few friends among the religious and the clergy about spreading the word on MAGNET.
Meanwhile, a humble suggestion, would you consider an international version of MAGNET? That would basically mean just editing /removing articles that may not have much relevance outside the Indian context. We could try first getting into the Associations of religious superiors in various English-speaking countries in Africa and see how MAGNET gets received on line.
Raj A Joseph, Mozambique, Africa
WEAKENING OF FAITH
I would like to comment further on the current situation of weakening of faith mentioned in the article ‘The Superior’(April ’21 issue). In recent times, five things are noticeable among religious: (1) Lack of interest in prayer, which is quite puzzling, making people wonder why they become religious; (2) General decline and neglect in making confessions ; (3) Neglect of spiritual direction; (4) Low esteem for community life. The few suicides among priests and religious have also caught media attention.
I am inclined to believe that there is some correlation among these.
Fr Matthew Adukanil SDB, Tiruppattur, Tamilnadu
A GREAT JOB
I always love the inspirational quotes, but I especially appreciated in this issue that you had three quotes of Indian origin.
Joe Anthony’s column on Dr Collins was interesting and informative. I had not really heard about him, but he is a wonderful man. At CTU we are giving our Peacemaker award in a few weeks to Dr Fauci and his wife. I think Dr Collins, although not as famous, deserves the reward as well!
Brother Carmel always amazes me–his compassion and his acceptance of people is wonderful and challenging.
You were busy in this issue with three of the four feature articles. I liked each one. The first was a good “from below” approach to Fratelli Tutti, and the article about Pope Francis was warm and inspiring. Your third feature article reminded me of the book Caste, by Isabel Wilkerson. It’s a powerful book that compares racism in America to Nazism in Germany and Caste in India. It might be a book to recommend to your readers.
And Fr Matthew George’s s story of his work with the poorest of the poor was very powerful. Where you stand is what you stand for!
In sum, great job.
Fr Stephen Bevans SVD, Catholic Theological Union, Chicago.
WAITING FOR MAGNET
I wait for the copy to reach at the beginning of the month. It’s a good start. I sincerely congratulate each and every person of the MAGNET team for your incredible work behind the success of the magazine. You play a vital role in forming the hearts of the readers and you deserve to be applauded in high esteem by all those who read and benefit from it.
Sr Teresa Alapatt FDCC, Vizagapatnam, AP
FILLS A REAL NEED
Your magazine is greatly admired and fills a real need for good reading material. You have
managed to hold the attention of readers for three years now.
I wish you and your helpers and advisors the very best. May God continue to bless all your
efforts.
Janina Shanti Gomes, Thane, Maharashtra
SUGGESTIONS
MAGNET is excellent! It is one of the best magazines I know.
I would suggest that you publish articles on the following themes: (1) Series of articles on Psycho-Spiritual/ Psycho-Sexual Integration; (2) Eucharistic Spirituality; (3) Faith formation in the younger Generation.
I do appreciate the article, “Fratelli Tutti: From Theory to Practice.” The same could be done whenever an Encyclical is promulgated.
Kudos to Fr. Joe and Team for the excellent work you’re doing; stay blessed always!
Sr Dominic SJV, Vizakhapatnam, AP
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