ENERGIZING & MOTIVATING
I have a heart filled with gratitude for giving me space in this illustrious monthly. Whenever I receive MAGNET, I do go through it and pick up those articles that interest me. I enjoyed reading my own interview! You are rendering a great service to the Church by energizing and motivating especially the priests and religious. MAGNET is a rich document which can be referred to at anytime. Keep up this good work.
Archbishop Thomas
Macwan of Gandhinagar, Gujarat
RIGHT FOCUS
You did very well to turn our focus to the ecology question. We can become so caught up in the tragedy of COVID-19 that we forget that there is an even more pervasive tragedy going on around us all day every day. As always, thanks for the balance between practical day-to-day questions, and the deeper theological and spiritual issues that must be part of our lives as Religious.
Fr Francis Moloney SDB,
Sunbury, Victoria, Australia
WHAT WE NEED TO DO
I congratulate you all on the manner in which you publish your magazine. It is prepared with care, precision, planning and with definite goals in mind. The contents are rich, relevant and enriching, both for personal and social-ecclesial life. In particular, I would like to mention ecology.
We have to develop the Christian spirituality of ecology. People will take ecology seriously only if we teach them that it is a matter of Christian faith.
To love Jesus is to love creation. To love human beings as our neighbour demands that we also love things of creation as our neighbour. To violate, to abuse, to pollute and to over-consume things of nature is a sin against the Ten Commandments. We have to work out an eco-friendly interpretation of the Ten Commandments and of the humanistic teaching of the New Testament.
I think only when we regard to concern for ecology as an essential and integral part of the Christian faith, will the commitment to ecology be a regular feature of the Christian life.
Most Rev Thomas Dabre
Bishop of Poona
WE CAN MAKE A DIFFERENCE!
The word that captured me in the July issue was ‘environment.’ I find it very encouraging and interesting whenever the religious take up certain public issues, as, in this case, the environment.
The words of Pope Francis in caring for our Earth, entrusted to us by God, have inspired me. Often, as Christians, we seem to be more focused on the spiritual aspect of life, viz., maintaining good relations with self, with neighbours, loving the poor, etc., but we hardly realize that maintaining good relationship with the Earth is as important. As a kid, I was taught to throw rubbish in a dustbin and am sure everybody was, in a school. But have we been dutifully throwing waste in bins? But, when such a duty is spoken of by the church, I am sure it does more of a conscience-stirring. And this is why my appreciation to the religious for becoming more vocal towards genuine public issues like the environment.
I also would like to quote Kevin Sullivan (MAGNET, July issue): “… I can’t be an ‘environmentalist’, but I can be a ‘conservationist.’ I can’t stop global warming, but I can stoop down to pick up trash …” If every Catholic or at least those reading this start to think and act this way, we will be able to transmit the ripple effects to those around us.
Rita Zou
Imphal, Manipur
MAGNETIZED INSTANTLY!
I came across MAGNET accidentally, but I was magnetized by it instantly. It appealed to me so much that I began to read it immediately. I read most of the articles of that issue in one go. MAGNET bears quality all through: quality paper, layout, articles that are relevant and meaningful. Needless to say that Fr Joe Mannath is a synonym for quality. MAGNET stands out for everything a mag can possess—quality communication, quality content and quality presentation. The articles are written in a simple and readable style. Yet one cannot be untouched by its energy and buoyant spirit. It is a must read for the religious to add vigour and optimism to their life and ministry. I would like to thank especially Fr Jose Parappully for his “Psychology and Life” Series. The vocation story of Fr Kevin Ward (“The Twain Shall Meet”) was heart-stirring. Congrats for the wonderful service to the religious of India and the world!
Fr Shilanand Kerketta SDB
Jharsuguda, Odisha
UNDERSTAND AND SUPPORT OUR MEDICAL WORKERS
The article “Self-care for helpers” has brought to light the palpable reality of the ‘frontliners’ – doctors and health workers who are exposed to enormous stress, physically, mentally and emotionally. The two pictures in the article are apt and speak for themselves.
The world indeed owes a great debt of gratitude to this band of daring persons who risk their precious lives. Never will humanity be able to fully fathom the services they render for their fellow beings. Yet, we know that sometimes they have been maltreated by sections of society because of the measures they adopted to prevent the spread of the disease. Sometimes they were side-lined or deprived of their basic necessities, or even to made to spend the night outdoors. Yet they have continued to show utmost dedication.
The author also makes one realize that, no matter how great the extent of human potential, everyone has to acknowledge the inevitable limitations.
The suggestion to avail the ordinary means to promote health of mind and body is invaluable. Ultimately, the author points our attention to the Lord, who alone can truly restore wholeness to our body and spirit.
Sr Lydia Komuhra FMA
Assam, Guwahati
