In this issue and in the next, we highlight a terrible scourge: Child Sexual Abuse in India. The Government study shows that the rate of sexual abuse of minors in India is much higher than the world average. And most of it happens in the home.
This month’s cover story by clinical psychologist Father Jose Parappully SDB will help readers become more aware of the problem and its disastrous consequences. In the next issue, he will indicate paths of healing. Victims need not remain broken and desperate. They can find avenues of healing.
Let us look at the issue in the face without flinching. That is what the cover story does.
A new feature: Special Days. To make us all aware of crucial issues affecting the human race, the UN and other agencies have declared certain days as “Special Days” devoted to a theme or a group of persons. Schools, churches and other institutions in touch with large groups of people will do well to celebrate these occasions meaningfully. Awareness is one of the best helps for improvement—whether personal or societal.
Some of our “homes” for the poor—whether they are called orphanages or homes or shelters or whatever—have faced legal problems. Whether these problems stem from our mistakes or are a form of harassment, we need to know the law. An experienced priest-lawyer explains some of the crucial rules affecting these institutions. We cannot plead ignorance, nor neglect the implementation of government regulations. Laws are, after all, meant to protect citizens, not to harass those who work for the poor.
Our popular regular features continue: What a wife and mother learns about spirituality from her experience with grand-children; books and movies that have become hit classics; making Lent meaningful; inspiring persons of the month; ways of dealing with employees; the key role of contemplation in our life; the right understanding of exclaustration; moving from meanness to meaningfulness; the lessons an Indian sister learnt while working in a very secularized Europe; the meaning of prophecy in the Bible; the wisdom of a famous Church Father; the difference a super-wealthy woman makes in the lives of the poorest; how nursing students see their life and work; a programme to support young women theologians.
In the midst of the serious reading, try the Fun Page, too. Doing puzzles is not only fun. It stimulates the brain and keeps us mentally alert and young.
To subscribe to the magazine Contact Us
