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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 order to improve our prayer life St Francis de Sales exhorts: “Examine yourself often; place yourself in the presence of God, and review your prayers to ensure they are devout and sincere.”   Reviewing one’s prayer through journaling (writing) can significantly enhance its depth and effectiveness.

1) Review of Prayer Through Journaling

            Review of prayer through journaling or Prayer Review Journaling is an introspective process focused on evaluating a specific prayer session.  Its purpose is to assess the quality, experiences and outcomes of the prayer.  It serves to foster spiritual growth and improve future prayers.

            In his book titled “The Life You’ve Always Wanted” John Ortberg describes Prayer Review in these words: “Think of this as what we might do after a visit with a good friend. We spend a few moments alone and think about our time together. We recall moments when we felt especially close or perhaps moments when there was conflict or confusion. We remember saying something that feels unfinished or needs to be resolved. We are grateful for the time we were able to spend with that friend.”

Jose Kuttianimattathil, sdb

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Priests and the religious men and women are in an advantageous position to offer CONTRIBUTION to the world and the community to which they belong because their whole life of commitment is geared towards contributing to the well-being of others. Down the centuries, priests and religious sisters have been contributing to the physical, intellectual, emotional, social and spiritual dimensions of people, and continue to do so, also in these times. However, in the present-day society, there are three specific areas in which priests and the religious need to contribute. These require our urgent attention today since our world is beset with major issues in relation to ecological dangers, digital abuses and lack of collaborative effort in helping the poor. There are two current issues to which the contribution of priests and religious sisters can have a significant impact. And they are:

1. 1. Ecological and Environmental Stewardship
   2. Constructive participation in Digital consumption and production

1. Ecological and Environmental Stewardship

            Environmental stewardship is the responsible use and care of the environment to ensure its preservation for future generations. In Pope Francis words, it is to care for our common home – a seminal idea that he so forcefully explained in Laudati Sì that climate is a common good, belonging to all and meant for all: “Environmental problems cannot be separated from…how individuals relate to themselves” (LS, 141).  Environmental stewardship is a sacred duty of every citizen of the world, much more so of priests and religious because they are the ones required to be most attuned to respect and cherish the richness that Nature offers us. Their renouncement of materialistic pulls in order that they may better witness to the creative magnificence of God, makes them worthy ambassadors who can care for the Earth wholeheartedly.

Fr. Dr. Joseph Jeyaraj, sdb

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As St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute in Bangalore prepares to mark its Golden Jubilee, it stands as a beacon of academic excellence and spiritual growth. Over the years, the Institute has played an instrumental role in the formation of clergy and religious for the Church’s Mission. With deep gratitude for God’s blessings, the unwavering support of the Board of Bishops’ Administration, and the dedication of its esteemed faculty, St. Peter’s is a testament to the power of faith-based education. The year-long Golden Jubilee celebration will unfold in three distinct phases: the inaugural event on January 10-11, 2025; an international alumni conference in September 2025; and the grand culmination in January 2026. To truly appreciate the significance of this milestone, it is essential to look back at the rich history and achievements of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute.

A Glimpse into the History of the Seminary (1778-1976)

The history of St. Peter’s Pontifical Institute traces its roots back to 1778 when the Seminary was first founded at Pondicherry by the Foreign Mission Society of Paris (Missions Étrangères de Paris – MEP). Initially known as the Grand Séminaire, it was later renamed St. Joseph’s Seminary in 1790. Over the years, it evolved and gained prominence, becoming St. Joseph’s Provincial Seminary in 1899. In 1934, the MEP transferred the Seminary to Bangalore and renamed it “St. Peter’s Provincial Seminary” as a gesture of gratitude to the Pontifical Society of St. Peter the Apostle, which had made significant contributions toward the construction of the seminary building.

FR DR JUDE NIRMAL DOSS

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In this article, I continue with the other three agreements based on the book named The Four Agreements by Don Miguel Ruiz. I had previously written on the first agreement: Be Impeccable with your Word.

DON’T TAKE ANYTHING PERSONALLY

When someone hurls words at you, whether praise or poison, they are not defining you; they are revealing the landscape of their own world. Every insult, every judgment, every assumption they make about you is born from the script of their own internal story written long before you ever appeared in their frame.

Picture a vast cinema with multiple screens. You enter one and find yourself on the big screen, starring in “The Story of You.” It is your movie, and you are the director, the producer, the lead actor. The supporting cast? They are characters moulded by your perspective, fitting into roles you’ve assigned them. The Superior who never quite understood, the friend who betrayed, the formator who inspired, you see them not as they are, but as you believe them to be.

Now, step into another theatre, your Superior’s film. You recognise the faces, but the roles are unfamiliar. There you are, a character in her movie, behaving in ways you don’t recall, shaped by her script. You move to the next cinema, your Provincial’s movie. Only to find yourself yet again a different version, shaped by their beliefs, their experiences. You go to the next theatre, and the next, and after watching all the movies of the people you know, you realise that everyone distorts the characters in their movie.

Br Sunil Britto CFC

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As we conclude this series on the historic visit of Pope Paul VI to India, Sr. Celine D’Cunha explores his deep affection for India, his legacy of compassion, and his vision for a Church rooted in dialogue and unity. As we prepare for Jubilee 2025, let us discover the timeless lessons and inspiration his journey offers us today.

On June 21, 1963, the very day of his election, when Paul VI was having lunch together with the Cardinals, a Polish Cardinal who was sitting next to Cardinal Gracious, commenting on the name chosen by the new Pope, remarked: “Now the Holy Father must go to India as Paul the Missionary”. Prophetic words indeed! On the 30th of September 1964, Paul VI communicated to Cardinal Gracious his momentous decision to visit India: “In nomine Domini, eamus“.

Indeed, he came, he saw, he met, he lived, he loved, he witnessed, he celebrated and he conquered the hearts of millions of Indians and left behind a testimony of unforgettable memories.  Back in Rome, during the General audience of December 9, 1964, he affirmed openly: “We need to form a more adequate concept of the catholicity of the Church, a broader desire for the human brotherhood and sisterhood to which it educates us and obliges us, to face with greater apostolic courage the questions relating to the presence of the Church in the world.”                  

Sr. CELINE D’CUNHA FMA

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