Cover Story

What does it mean to live a faith that goes beyond spiritualism and engages deeply with society? How can religious life once again become a prophetic witness of justice, compassion, and unity? In this cover story, Gerry Lobo invites us to rediscover the essence of consecrated life through the lens of social mysticism. Drawing on the visionary theology of the late Felix Wilfred, he challenges us to rethink spirituality – not as a retreat from the world, but as a prophetic, transformative engagement with it. This piece will inspire you to see consecrated life as an integrated response to the world’s needs, rooted in the Gospel of Jesus Christ. Join us in celebrating this sacred calling.

Spiritualism, in the guise of spirituality, has increasingly dominated the Church, fuelled by the rise of spiritual movements and popular devotions to saints promoted by Catholic clergy, both diocesan and religious. These movements are characterized by the construction of grand sanctuaries and shrines, drawing crowds of devotees under the pretext of nurturing Christian faith. Self-styled preachers, armed with a Bible and a handful of frequently repeated scriptural verses, wield these as tools to cast out evil and cure physical ailments in the name of Jesus. Alarmingly, these leaders employ techniques to rouse and captivate audiences, often invoking fear of hell and divine punishment, both immediate and eternal.

One might conclude that the aim of these scripture and prayer enthusiasts, with their repetitive slogans and verses, is to instil a faith centred on vertical piety—disconnected from the realities of life in society. This faith is presented as a convenient and superficial religion, offering quick fixes or instant comfort for life’s challenges. “Unfortunately, these trends tend to anesthetize the Christian’s social consciousness, diverting focus away from critical reflection on burning issues in society,” observed Felix Wilfred, our renowned critical theologian in India, who recently went to his heavenly abode.

FR GERRY LOBO OFM

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How does the light of consecration ignite change in the darkest corners of the world? How does the witness of committed lives inspire and challenge us to live with purpose? Journey with us in this cover story as we celebrate the beauty and power of consecrated life—a profound testimony of God’s Kingdom on earth.

Forty days after Christmas, the Church celebrates the feast of the Presentation of the Lord. In this celebration, we remember the episode in which Mary and Joseph brought Jesus to the temple to consecrate Him to the Lord, as decreed by the Law of Moses (cf. Lk 2:32). For this reason, the Church, since ancient times, has established a feast in which the rite of blessing of the lit candles is celebrated and a procession is carried out. This simple rite expresses an important meaning: we are all small candles that want to unite with Christ to give light to our brothers and sisters. For Christ is the Light of the world, and whoever follows Him will not walk in darkness but will have the light of life (cf. Jn 8:12).

The Light of Consecrated Life

On the feast of the Presentation of the Lord, the Church celebrates the World Day of Consecrated Life. We aim to highlight the lives of numerous men and women who dedicate their lives to serving God and their fellow beings. We give thanks to the Lord for the presence of Consecrated Life within the Church, which echoes with all the baptised faithful the beauty of their Christian vocation, challenging them to bear witness to the Light of Jesus. Being a witness to Jesus is to be a channel of prophecy, presence, redemption, salvation, and liberation for the wounded world through our mission.

Fr G Dolin MMI

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Consecrated life continues to thrive because of those who, moved by the Spirit, respond to the suffering of humanity. Sr. Lini MSC, on mission in Germany, shares the inspiring story of Sr. Virginia, an MSC sister from the US, whose radical choices to serve incarcerated individuals have made her a powerful witness to the transformative power of consecrated life. Her example is a reminder of the enduring relevance of religious vocations in today’s world.

“I pray to the Holy Spirit constantly, asking for guidance in reaching out to those who could benefit from our services here. The Holy Spirit has the power to soften the hearts of the individuals who come to us,” stated Sr. Virginia L, MSC, with deep conviction.

Sr. Virginia is the founder of Stephen’s Place, a halfway house supporting formerly incarcerated men struggling with substance use disorders. A member of the Missionary Sisters of the Most Sacred Heart of Jesus (MSC), she has devoted her life to serving those in need, offering compassion and hope to individuals rebuilding their lives.

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In this cover story, the author uses a rhetorical style to pose thought-provoking questions that challenge us to reflect on the true essence of religious life. As we celebrate its beauty, let us pause and consider these important inquiries that invite us to live this life with greater authenticity, compassion, and joy.

February 2 is celebrated as the Day of Consecrated/Religious Life, marked by exuberant exaltations and magnificent Magnificats in praise of this vocation. However, I must pose some questions and stir a different kind of reflection about the religious life as I see and hear it lived. May these thoughts resonate where they are meant to. Are religious givers of joy or snatchers of joy? Are we promoters or demoters? The saying “Charity begins at home” reminds us that the good we intend to do, give, and promote must first begin within our own close circles—our homes, communities, and workplaces. One cannot be a kind and gentle person to the world outside while failing to be so within one’s own community or within one’s own province. Similarly, one cannot be a great religious and missionary to the world while neglecting to be so toward one’s confreres or fellow sisters. What a dichotomy and mockery this becomes of a life we call “special.”

Fr Vincy Samy MSFS

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In this heartfelt reflection, Jesuit novice Lestern Prajwal Dsouza shares his journey to religious life, likening it to the nurturing bond between a mother and child. As he prepares for religious consecration, Lestern invites us to witness the growth, challenges, and deep love that shape his calling. His story offers a fresh and intimate glimpse into the transformative path of vocation—one that is as much about love and resilience as it is about service and commitment.

Vocation is often described as a calling, a profound sense of purpose that drives an individual toward a particular path in life. When I reflect on my vocation, I am reminded of the intimate and nurturing relationship between a mother and child. This analogy resonates deeply with my experiences, challenges, and joys in pursuing my calling. Just as a mother guides, nurtures, and supports her child, my vocation embodies a journey of growth, resilience, and unconditional love.

The Beginnings: A Seed of Potential

Every child begins life with immense potential, nurtured in the safety of their mother’s embrace. Similarly, my vocation began as a small seed of interest, a flicker of passion that ignited my desire to make a difference in the world. In the early stages of this journey, I felt a mix of excitement and uncertainty, much like a child taking their first steps. With each experience, my understanding of my vocation grew, nurtured by mentors and supported by a community that believed in my potential.

Lestern Prajwal Dsouza NSJ

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In his recently released encyclical, Dilexit Nos (“He Loved Us”), issued on 24^th October 2024, Pope Francis calls the Catholics to rediscover the transformative power of the love that beats in the Sacred Heart of Jesus. The title is inspired by St. Paul’s letter to the Romans 8:35: “through him who loved us”. This profound passage calls the faithful to look deeply into the heart of Christ, recognizing in it the source of all human dignity and divine love. In a world increasingly dominated by consumerism, technology, and distractions, Pope Francis presents the Sacred Heart as a potent antidote – a call for humanity to reconnect with what is essential, meaningful, and eternal. More than just a theological reflection, Dilexit Nos is a roadmap for translating devotion into action, urging believers to embody the Sacred Heart in their everyday lives through compassion, social justice, and ecological responsibility.

The devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus is one of the most cherished traditions in the Catholic spirituality. Rooted in Scripture, it finds its earliest expressions in the Gospel of John, where Jesus’s pierced side becomes a fountain of love and mercy for the world. Over the centuries, this devotion deepened through the mystical experiences of saints like Margaret Mary Alacoque, who, in the 17^th century, received visions of the Sacred Heart aflame with love for humanity. In Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis reflects on the countless saints, mystics, and movements inspired by this devotion, such as St. John Eudes, who established the Feast of the Sacred Heart, and St. Therese of Lisieux, whose “Little Way” was steeped in trust in God’s loving heart. These figures remind us that devotion to the Sacred Heart is not merely about personal piety, but a call to imitate the love of Jesus in tangible ways, especially toward the marginalized and suffering. The encyclical treasures five profound chapters, each illuminating the dual dimensions of love – the human and the divine – rediscovered in the Heart of Jesus.

1. Rediscovering the Heart of Jesus

The first chapter of Dilexit Nos challenges us to see the heart as the seat of human authenticity and divine love. Pope Francis recalls how the heart, not merely as a physical organ, but as a profound symbol in both ancient philosophy and Scripture, represents the true center of human being. In a world fragmented by superficiality and distractions, the heart, especially the Sacred Heart, invites us back to what is real and lasting. It is in the heart that we find the power to unite body and soul, mind and spirit.

Fr. Jayaseelan Savariarpitchai SDB

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In this second cover story, Sr. Benny offers a compelling reflection on the Sacred Heart of Jesus and its resonance with feminine energy, as illuminated by Pope Francis in Dilexit Nos. She explores the profound similarities between Christ’s boundless love and the nurturing, empathetic spirit often associated with femininity. These reflections invite us to go beyond fixed roles or binary understandings. Her article highlights the transformative power of love, healing, and sacrifice, which transcend gender while embracing the unique expressions of divine and human compassion. In doing so, it challenges us to see these qualities as both inherently feminine and masculine, and therefore as universal invitations to embody the Sacred Heart’s call to self-giving love and unity.

Dilexit Nos (“He Loves Us”) is Pope Francis’ recent encyclical, which delves into the devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus as a source of both divine and human love. This devotion holds profound significance in addressing the divisions and crises facing today’s world. In the context of global challenges such as consumerism, conflict, and social fragmentation, Pope Francis contrasts these issues with the enduring compassion and unity symbolized by the Sacred Heart.

In the encyclical, Pope Francis highlights Christ’s heart as a unifying center of hope, encouraging believers to view it as a symbol of unconditional love and mercy. He ties this devotion to the experiences of saints and theologians who regard the Sacred Heart as both a personal and collective call to action. Pope Francis also makes references to historical roots, such as the 1673 visions of St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, which helped popularize this devotion. He reminds us that the Sacred Heart represents the love poured out by Jesus, especially evident in His sacrifice on the Cross, making it a powerful symbol of solidarity and consolation in the face of human suffering. Through Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis seeks to help the faithful rediscover a heart-centered spirituality that fosters both personal healing and societal transformation.

Sr Benny D’Cunha UFS

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In Cover Story 3, John Bosco explores the deep spiritual connection which countless individuals share with the Sacred Heart, a symbol of love, compassion, and healing. The journey of devotion, from childhood memories to adult reflections, illuminates how this simple yet powerful symbol offers solace and guidance in the trials of life. I hope this cover story inspires you, as it has inspired me, to open your heart to the Sacred Heart of Jesus and experience the peace that comes from living in His Love.

Early Memories: The Lamp and the Sacred Heart
My mother often shared with me a memorable incident from her childhood, which left a lasting impression on me. In her home, devotion to the Sacred Heart of Jesus was a cherished tradition. Since there was no electricity in the villages at that time, her parents would light an oil lamp in front of the Sacred Heart picture, which would burn day and night. Every day, my mother, as a young girl, would clean the lamp, refill it with oil, and light it again. This was a routine task she performed with great joy and devotion.
One day, while she was cleaning the lamp, the glass slipped from her hand and fell onto the cemented floor. But to her surprise, the glass bounced back up and landed on the cot where she was standing, unbroken. She was amazed by this seemingly miraculous event. I was around ten years old when my mother told me this story, and it has remained etched in my memory ever since.
This was my first introduction to the Sacred Heart of Jesus. Even as a young child, the story of this incident resonated with me deeply. It was not just a story of a simple household task—it was an invitation to experience the presence of the Sacred Heart in a personal and intimate way.

K. John Don Bosco

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In this fourth cover story, Sr. Anjala reflects on the profound call of Dilexit Nos—to live out the love of Christ. This love, both human and divine, is not just a concept but a call to action.

Dilexit Nos, meaning “He loved us,” captures the heart of the Christian faith: God’s unconditional, sacrificial love for humanity. In Deus Caritas Est, Pope Benedict XVI calls us to embody this transformative love, where divine grace meets human experience. From the ultimate sacrifice of Jesus on the cross (John 3:16) to everyday acts of selflessness, compassion, and sacrifice, both biblical figures and ordinary people show us how to live this love. We are called to prioritize the good of others, even at personal cost, reflecting God’s boundless love in our lives.

God’s Love as the Foundation of Love

Pope Benedict XVI emphasizes that God is love (1 John 4:8), a love that is not abstract but deeply relational, as shown in the life of Jesus Christ. This love is intimate and personal, inviting humanity into a transformative relationship with God. The greatest demonstration of God’s love is the sacrifice of Jesus on the Cross (John 3:16), where God gave His only Son for the salvation of humanity. This act is the foundation for all human love, calling us to love sacrificially.

The Call to Love Others

Christians are called to mirror God’s love by loving others selflessly. As Benedict XVI stresses, love is not just an emotion, but an act of will and sacrifice. This love requires action, often at personal cost, as illustrated by the Good Samaritan in Luke 10:25-37, whose care for a wounded stranger exemplifies love in action, beyond feelings or identity. Love also manifests through charity—the practical expression of love. True charity, as shown in the story of the Widow’s Mite (Mark 12:41-44), involves giving selflessly, regardless of wealth. This teaches that love is sacrificial, and true generosity comes from the heart, prioritizing the good of others over personal gain.

Sr Anjala Lincy Clark, FSPM

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“We are shaped by our memories and experiences.” Desmond Tutu

The Fabric of Memory

Memory, the ethereal fabric woven from the threads of our past, forms the cornerstone of who we are. It guides our actions and stores our experiences, holding both the joys and sorrows that have shaped us. This multifaceted entity manifests in various ways: from vivid personal recollections to subtle nuances of learned skills. It encompasses recalling facts, figures, and events, as well as recognizing patterns and making informed decisions. Memory extends beyond mental constructs, embodied in tangible artefacts like antiques, family documents, photographs, and diaries. Intangible traditions such as rituals, songs, and stories perpetuate cultural memory across generations. Even mundane objects or familiar smells can trigger powerful memories, transporting us back in time through emotional connections. These triggers preserve cultural heritage and personal significance tied to our familial and social identities. In essence, memory makes us whole by weaving together our past experiences with present realities to shape our future selves. Whether through physical artefacts or intangible traditions, memory remains an indelible part of human existence – a reflection of our shared humanity. By examining memory’s impact, this article reveals its power to shape lives, drive personal growth and inspire meaningful action.

Memory Chisels and Forges

Memory is the sculptor of our souls, chiselling and forging the very essence of who we are. As Cicero aptly put it, “Memories shape the marble of our minds.” These recollections are more than mere nostalgic glances into the past; they shape our present, guide us toward the future, and influence our thoughts, emotions, and actions. Memories evoke powerful emotions, impact our decisions, and shape our relationships. George Santayana’s wisdom highlights their importance: “Progress, far from consisting in change, depends on retentiveness.” Neurologist Oliver Sacks echoes this sentiment, noting that “Our memories make us who we are, and if we lose them, we lose ourselves.” Memories inform personal growth, inspire creativity and resilience, and foster self-awareness. They teach life lessons, reveal personal values, and strengthen relationships through shared experiences. These recollections promote empathy and preserve cultural heritage while influencing decision-making, habits, and coping mechanisms. Ultimately, memories define our self-image, moral compass, and life narrative. Reflecting on them illuminates personal growth, healing, and purpose. By embracing memories, we honour our past, enrich our present, and inspire our future.

Fr Arnald Mahesh SDB

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