Formation towards Psychosexual and Celibate Integration: Manual for Formees (General Editors: Jose Kuttianimattathil SDB and Jose Parappully SDB). Volume III: Novitiate
By Joy Kaipan SDB & Josmy Jose FMA
(Bangalore: Kristu Jyoti Publications, 2021)
This book is the third volume in a multi-volume series dealing mainly with the human formation of the formees. It is like a handbook meant for Religious and Priestly formation produced by the Salesian Psychological Association (SPA) and the South Asia Formation Commission (SAFC).
Pope Francis often refers to the human dimension as the community aspect that plays a very important and foundational role in the formation of consecrated persons. Formation for mission demands human and affective maturity.
This manual therefore is a help for the formees to come to a personal integration of their sexuality with all the other dimensions of their life and enable them to live their celibate commitment faithfully and fruitfully.
In his apostolic letter, “You are the Light of the World” (2019), Pope Francis has stated the urgent need for a sound human formation to combat the sexual abuse of minors and other vulnerable persons as well as other forms of abuse perpetrated by priests and religious. He asked for “concrete and effective actions.” These manuals are a humble and prompt response to the call of the Pope.
The series consists of six manuals, each addressing a different stage of formation with the objective and goal to help young people in religious formation. The one reviewed here is Volume III, meant for the Novitiate. Formation to religious and priestly life includes four important dimensions – the human, the spiritual, the intellectual and the pastoral dimensions. The harmonious integration of these four helps the formee to put on Christ.
This book is an efficient and relevant tool for cultivating a proper understanding and appreciation for celibate chastity and human sexuality. The sessions in each chapter are interactive and healing-oriented.
Candles in the Dark
By M A Joe Antony SJ
(Mumbai: St Paul’s, 2020)
This book is a compilation of the thirty-seven articles that appeared in MAGNET Magazine for more than three years by a regular columnist of MAGNET, Fr M A Joe Antony SJ.
The book contains the brief articles that sum up the life, service and contributions of men and women who carry their candles to light up the darkened corners of the world. Very often these persons are the unsung heroes in different parts of the world, different faiths and every walk of life. The author takes pain to bring their life and service to the limelight every month in MAGNET Magazine.
Reading the inspiring lives of others hearten us to strive living a better life in the midst of the evils existing in our surroundings and their example calls us to learn from them and shine like stars in the dark night of somebody else’ life.
Each of these candles usually burns quietly in unusual places where no one bothers to look at. The author has made sure to search for them and to make known their hidden life and their constant striving in their own way to build a better world for their fellow humans.
In the pages of the book you will find that each candle is a real treat. Every one of them is a “light-giver,” a lesson to learn from and move ahead doing our best in our lifetime. Each story is gripping, engaging and inspiring indeed! Here’s a gift to treat yourself and others!
SR THERESA PHAWA FMA
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