home

The Jubilee is “an event of great spiritual, ecclesial, and social significance in the life of the Church,” said Pope Francis in his letter which announced the Jubilee.  This yearlong celebration marks the 2,025-year anniversary of the Incarnation of the Lord.  It is indeed a time of grace.

Origins of the Jubilee

The Jubilee Year has its origins in the Old Testament, where it was instituted as a time of renewal, forgiveness, and liberation. According to the Book of Leviticus, every 50th year was to be a jubilee year, marked by the restoration of properties, the liberation of slaves, and the forgiveness of debts (Lev 25:8-13). It was a divine mandate intended to address economic disparities, restore equality, and ensure that society would remain grounded in justice and compassion.  The jubilee year was inaugurated by blowing a ram’s horn or trumpet, called yobel in Hebrew. The name jubilee is derived from the name of this instrument

The Jubilee was established for the first time in the Catholic Church by Pope Boniface VII in 1300.  He established it to promote spiritual renewal and pilgrimages to Rome.  Originally it was intended to be celebrated every 100 years.  However, due to the profound impact it had on the faithful, subsequent popes saw the value in holding it more frequently. In 1350, Pope Clement VI declared another Jubilee only 50 years after the first, and in 1475 Pope Paul II decided that Jubilees would occur every 25 years. This allowed more people to experience the blessings of a jubilee in their lifetime. This 25-year cycle remains the standard, although popes can and have declared “extraordinary” Jubilees outside of this schedule, in response to particular circumstances, as Pope Francis did with the Jubilee of Mercy in 2015.

The Main Elements of the Jubilee

The Jubilee serves as a time of spiritual rejuvenation, where the faithful are encouraged to seek forgiveness, renew their faith, and engage in acts of mercy.  Some of the main ways in which this is done is through pilgrimage, passing through the Holy Door, reconciliation, prayer, gaining of indulgences, penance, and acts of mercy.  These are not isolated acts but interrelated.

---

Jose Kuttianimattathil, sdb

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

We become not a melting pot but a beautiful mosaic. Different people, different beliefs, different yearnings, different hopes, different dreams.”

– Jimmy Carter (President of the USA from 1977-1981).

            In the previous issue, we discussed the social dimension from the viewpoint of interpersonal relationships between individuals and within the community. However, the social dimension of wholeness is made up of broader aspects such as, CULTURE, JUSTICE, EQUALITY and ECOLOGY. These are integral elements of wholeness which are not often emphasized by priests and religious both in their personal life style and in their ministry. In fact, we are proficient in differentiating people based on their culture, language, caste, colour and creed. Prejudices, biases and assumptions are generously utilised to make rules and norms that are exclusive rather than inclusive.

Are we a Melting Pot or a Beautiful Mosaic?

We consider diversity as a threat and therefore, fail to see differences as a gift, and what is more, we fail to benefit from them. Conversely, the opposite attitude that a religious should imbibe is to welcome these differences as a treasure to be cherished. Maybe, the following questions would introduce us to the theme we would like to discuss here.

At the community level:

• Do you live in an intercultural or ethnic community with confreres and sisters hailing from a cultural group different from yours?
• How do you feel when you find yourself living with a community member who thinks and acts very differently from what you are accustomed to?
• Do you feel Excited? Fed up? Irritated? Tolerating? Confused? Or Adjusting? Accepting?

At the level of province or Region:

• How does your Province/Region deal with diversity and cultural differences among its members?
• Are the intercultural differences appreciated and cherished in your province?
• Are there subtle or strong tension or polarity between locals and foreigners, majority and minority groups, and elderly and young?
• What are the common prejudices held about the various groups and how do these prejudices affect the fraternity of the Province/Region and its mission?

Each of these questions are profoundly self-reflective and transformative if we choose to reflect on them in the right spirit. If we do this through the lens of interconnectedness, we would understand that Culture, Justice, Equality and Ecology are, indeed, integral elements of wholeness.

This concept is very well echoed in Fratelli tutti, wherein Pope Francis extends a meaningful invitation to everyone saying, “Let us dream, then, as a single human family, as fellow travellers sharing the same flesh, as children of the same earth which is our common home, each of us bringing the richness of his or her beliefs and convictions, each of us with his or her own voice, brothers and sisters all” (FT, no. 8). The value that we are invited to learn is Love for Society, with all its richness and limitations.

---

Fr. Dr. Joseph Jeyaraj, sdb

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

“A woman is the full circle. Within her is the power to create, nurture, and transform,” wrote Diane Mariechild, author and advocate for women’s empowerment. Every woman holds the power to give life, to nourish, and to transform the world around her. If a woman’s body is sacred—a vessel for life and creativity—then why have women faced persecution, violence, and oppression for centuries, even now, in the 21st century? Why do women still endure discrimination and insecurity, even within their families and workplaces? And when will society learn to honor and respect the true sanctity of women?

In this piece, we reflect on the violence faced by women in various forms and urge a deeper respect for the dignity of every woman.

Emotional Violence

In homes and workplaces, women too often endure threats, humiliation, and constant criticism, leaving deep emotional scars. For example, consider the daily life of a woman in a traditional household. While her husband may work eight hours at the office and be paid for his labour, she often works twelve or more hours without recognition or rest, managing the household, serving her family, and caring for children. Yet, how often is she appreciated for this selfless, unpaid work?

Even small incidents can reveal a painful lack of respect: if there’s a missing ingredient in a meal, how is it pointed out to her? Such daily dismissals erode her self-worth, a subtle yet potent form of emotional abuse. When we belittle or manipulate the women closest to us, we chip away at their dignity. Emotional abuse in families has a profound impact, damaging well-being and self-esteem. As a society, we must question why we permit such behaviours—and resolve to value the contributions women make, at home and beyond.

---

Sr. Lini Sheeja MSC, Germany

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us), released on October 24, 2024, is Pope Francis’ fourth encyclical. Its incipit, or opening phrase, Dilexit Nos (He Loved Us) is drawn from Romans 8:37, where St. Paul proclaims that nothing can ever separate us from Christ’s love.

Since 1899, four papal encyclicals and numerous papal texts have been dedicated to the Sacred Heart, each ranging from 2,000 to 13,000 words. Comparatively, this 28,000-word encyclical is notably lengthy, with 227 footnotes not counting the numerous scripture references. Citing previous popes, authors, and saints like St. Ignatius, St. Margaret Mary Alacoque, St. Charles de Foucauld, and St. Thérèse of Lisieux, it’s clear Pope Francis has done a thorough homework for this deeply significant topic.

In June this year, the month the Church traditionally dedicates to the Sacred Heart of Jesus, the Pope declared his intention to release a document on this devotion in the autumn hoping to “illuminate the path of ecclesial renewal but also to say something significant to a world that seems to have lost its heart.”

THE CLEVER TIMING OF ITS RELEASE

In a surprise move, Pope Francis released Dilexit Nos, his latest encyclical, just as the Synod on Synodality was drawing to a close. This timing is no coincidence. The Pope is urging us to grasp the deeper purpose behind the synodality conversations. Many Catholics, following the synod, have been asking, “What changes will this synod bring to the Church?” Yet, through Dilexit Nos, Pope Francis redirects the question back to us: it is OUR hearts that need transforming, aligning with the Sacred Heart of Jesus to become more like His.

At the encyclical’s unveiling on October 24, Archbishop Bruno Forte called the encyclical the ‘compendium’ and ‘key’ to understanding Pope Francis’ pontificate. While some critics argue that Pope Francis’ papacy has been too social, neglecting the theological thrust, Archbishop Forte emphasized that Dilexit Nos lays bare the spiritual core behind the Holy Father’s 12-year pontificate.

What follows are highlights of the encyclical’s five chapters.

---

Br Sunil Britto CFC

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

Sr. Celine, who spent a year in the childhood home of Pope Paul VI in Concesio, Brescia, reflects on his historic 1964 visit to India and its profound impact. As we commemorate the 60th anniversary of this journey, we are reminded of the Church’s legacy as pilgrims of hope, peace, and fraternity. This reflection calls us to embrace the spirit of mission and unity that continues to inspire the Church today as we approach the Jubilee Year. This is the first article in a series of three, delving deeper into the significance of this visit and its lasting influence.

“We bring you the greetings of the peoples we have met on our pilgrimage…. It is precisely those peoples that we point out to you, an example of religiosity, patience, industriousness, serene and conscious humility, always full of hope and goodness.” Memorable words of Paul VI on Sunday, December 6, 1964, at the Angelus, after his return from his pilgrimage to India. He was overwhelmed by the surprising welcome and friendship from huge crowds of Christians as well as from people belonging to other faiths.

Equally significant and heart-warming are his words during the General Audience on Wednesday, December 9, 1964, “India’s historical, civil and social aspect, extremely rich, that fill our soul with admiration, esteem, sympathy for that immense people, so religious, so patient, so industrious, so open to every modern development…”

---

CELINE D’CUNHA FMA

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

Chariots of Fire (1981): Runtime: 123 Minutes

Director: Hugh Hudson

Cast: Ben Cross, Ian Charleson, Nigel Havers, Cheryl Campbell, Alice Krige, Lindsay Anderson, Dennis Christopher, John Gielgud, Ian Holm, Patrick Magee

This inspiring sports drama tells the story of Harold Abrahams and Eric Liddell, British athletes who triumphed in the 1924 Paris Olympics. Celebrating determination, faith, and the power of sportsmanship, the film reveals how both men transcended racial and religious barriers.

Harold Abrahams, a Jewish student at Cambridge, faces anti-Semitism and class prejudice. After meeting Sybil Gordon, his future wife, he becomes the first to complete the Trinity Great Court Run and excels in national events. Frustrated by a loss to Eric, he enlists professional coach Sam Mussabini, despite criticism from Cambridge authorities who disdain professional coaching. For Eric Liddell, a devout Christian born to Scottish missionaries in China, running is a way to honour God, even though his sister Jennie disapproves. Eric believes that competing without passion would dishonour his faith.

Both athletes join the British Olympic team bound for Paris. There, Eric learns his 100-meter race is scheduled on a Sunday, conflicting with his convictions against working on “the Lord’s Day.” Despite pressure from the Prince of Wales and Olympic officials, he refuses to run. Teammate Andrew Lindsay gives up his spot in the 400-meter race, allowing Eric to compete on another day. Meanwhile, Abrahams finds redemption when he wins the 100 meters with Mussabini’s support, while Liddell triumphs in the 400 meters, boosted by an encouraging Bible verse from American runner Jackson Scholz.

The film ends with the athletes returning home to a hero’s welcome. Abrahams marries Sybil and later leads British Olympic teams, while Liddell returns to China as a missionary, where he later dies during World War II. The movie’s title comes from William Blake’s hymn Jerusalem, sung during the concluding scenes.

It’s a Wonderful Life (1946): Runtime:  131 Minutes

Director: Frank Capra

Cast: James Stewart, Donna Reed, Lionel Barrymore, Thomas Mitchell, Beulah Bondi, Henry Travers.

This beloved classic by Frank Capra delivers a heartwarming tale of hope, faith, and community. Adapted from Philip Van Doren Stern’s story The Greatest Gift with elements of A Christmas Carol, the film follows George Bailey, a selfless businessman who faces a financial disaster after World War II. Desperate and on the brink of suicide, George is saved by Clarence Odbody, a second-class angel sent in response to his family’s prayers. Clarence, eager to earn his wings, shows George flashbacks of his life, revealing how his acts of kindness touched many lives.

From risking his life to save his younger brother Harry to preventing a pharmacist’s fatal mistake, George consistently sacrifices his own dreams to help others. When his father dies suddenly, George steps in to manage the family bank, resisting the manipulative schemes of Henry Potter, a ruthless local businessman. Though George’s hopes to travel are dashed, he builds a community-oriented housing project, giving townspeople affordable homes and countering Potter’s control. His troubles deepen when Harry returns from college married, leaving George to handle the family business alone.

After the war, on Christmas Eve 1945, Uncle Billy accidentally loses a large sum of company money, which the greedy Potter seizes. Facing bankruptcy, George, desperate and humiliated, turns to Potter for help but is rebuffed. Near despair, he prays and prepares to jump off a bridge. Here, Clarence shows George a vision of how much worse life would be without him. Seeing the impact he has made, George regains hope and returns home to his friends and family, who rally together to save him financially. Clarence finally earns his wings, leaving George with a message: “Remember, no man is a failure who has friends.”

---

To subscribe to the magazine, click Subscribe

After escaping the ravages of violence in Vietnam in 1980, the Nguyen family was relocated to the USA. They worked hard as fishermen. Unfortunately, Quang, (their second-born son who was about eight months old when the family reached the USA, led a life of rebellion, drugs, gangs and violence and) eventually ended in prison for life after the attempted murder of eight rival gang members. It took him some long years to realize the extent of havoc and damage he was still inflicting on others and himself. This is the last part of a series of three articles which were published in October and November.

(All names of people and places were changed. The text has been left as Quang wrote it. Only minimal editing has been done)

My transformation began in 2005 when I decided not to do crystal meth anymore, but a more conscious effort was in 2015, when I received a notice, I qualified for SB261. [Since Quang was younger than 23 years old when he committed the crime, he could be eligible for parole hearing as a youth offender, a law SB261 had been amended that same year]. That’s when I felt hope and decided to sign up for every program but at the time there weren’t many programs. However, someone pointed me to the House of Healing correspondence course. They focus on healing childhood traumas. Examining my past helped me understand and process many troubling events in my life, aiding me to the process of forgiving my family and myself. Then in 2017 when I got into Alternative to Violence project workshop, I was shown compassion and acceptance from strangers, I saw resilience and true strength from their work and efforts, from that I felt sorrow for their pain and trauma of being a victim of violence. I felt anger towards their attackers, I felt disgusted with myself because I saw myself in those attackers. That was when I committed to changing my character and saw the characteristics of the person I wanted to be. So, this is when I believe when my transformation began, it wasn’t about going home anymore but being a better person.

Pursuing more, I enrolled into college where I learnt how to express myself by writing and improving my vocabulary. Although I did a lot of internal work, I still couldn’t explain my remorse, change, or my insight. The next step was surrounding myself with people who are dedicated to personal growth. I found that community in self-help groups, like PREP, Lifer Group, Board Prep, and Alcoholics and Narcotics Anonymous.

---

Br Carmel Duca MC

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

In this interview, Fr. Fio Mascarenhas, a Jesuit priest and biblical scholar, shares insights from his life and ministry. The eldest of five brothers in a devout Goan family, he was drawn to the Jesuits from an early age. Despite nearing his Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee, Fr. Fio continues to preach, write, and lead retreats worldwide, inspiring countless Catholics to deepen their faith. His work in biblical spirituality and the Charismatic Renewal has had a lasting impact, and his latest books offer fresh perspectives on the life of Jesus and the Gospel.

1. Tell us something about your early life and family.

Of 5 sons in my family, I am the eldest. My brother is also a Jesuit, Fr Frazer, while Faust, Fidelis and Franz are happily married. We all have the same initials, as my mother was Florie and my father Francis. We lived near St Xavier’s High School (and College) in Bombay, and are therefore Jesuit products. My mother was a school teacher, and my father a commercial artist. We were a very happy and pious Catholic Goan family.

2. What attracted you to join the Jesuits?

In school and (quasi) parish, we had wonderful Jesuit friends and models, so when I discerned a vocation to religious life, I was convincingly drawn to the Jesuit Order.

As you approach your Sacerdotal Golden Jubilee on 5 April 2025, after celebrating your Diamond Jubilee as a Jesuit, you continue your ministry with great zeal and passion. Please comment on your current ministry?

From the day I had a personal life-changing faith-experience of “God’s love poured into my heart” (also known as “baptism in the Spirit”) on 11 Feb 1973 (after a 3-year long crisis of faith), I have been blessed by God with an overwhelming and fulfilling desire to teach God’s Word to more and more people. So though formally retired, I continue to accept invitations to preach retreats to clergy, religious and laity, and to write books on biblical spirituality.

3. Pope Benedict XVI invited you to participate as an expert in the 2008 Synod of Bishops in Rome and you also participated in the Synod of Bishops on the Eucharist in 2005. You have been awarded the Doctor of Ministry degree in Biblical Spirituality by the Catholic Theological Union in Chicago. Do you feel that you owe it to the Jesuits that you have been able to contribute so much to the life of the Church?

Invited by Pope Benedict XVI as an expert for the 2008 Synod and a participant in the 2005 Synod on the Eucharist, with a Doctor of Ministry in Biblical Spirituality from the Catholic Theological Union, do you feel being a Jesuit has enabled your deep contributions to the Church?

Of course! But for the understanding and encouragement of my Superiors (starting with local Provincials and all the way up to the Servant of God Fr Arrupe who allowed me to go to Rome to live in the Gregorian University Community and to work in a Vatican office from 1981-88), I could not have dreamt of the “great things God would do for me.”

4. You are a former Director and Chairman of the International Council for Catholic Charismatic Renewal, resident in Rome. How did you become a “charismatic” and tell us about your experience in Rome.

During  a crisis of faith when, though blessed with intelligence and a good memory, I failed an ordinary final exam (BSc-chemistry) because my mind unaccountably went blank as I walked (well-prepared) into the examination hall, and this happened three (!) times in consecutive years from 1968-72, and then gave up on prayer etc, no longer able to believe in God’s love for me, and questioning why “He” had apparently abandoned me,  I was blessed with what we Jesuits call “my Cannonball experience” which is a totally gratuitous experience of God saying to me on 11 Feb 1973, “Fio, you are my beloved son, in whom I am well pleased!” Though I couldn’t understand how, instead of scolding me, my Father God was actually smiling at me, and appreciating me, a great fountain of joy sprang up from my heart and I shouted aloud, “Jesus, you are alive!” That was the beginning of my “charismatic” vocation and ministry, and that experience of being loved by God has never left me till today, though other trials and suffering have come my way.

In Rome I have had the privilege of meeting 4 Popes (St Pope Paul VI in 1975, St John Paul II very many times 1981-2004, Benedict XVI at the Synods, and Francis seven times). I have also met thousands of charismatic disciples of Jesus at the Leaders Conferences I organized and in my travels to National Charismatic Conferences in 84 countries.

5. You have visited 84 countries to preach retreats or conduct Bible seminars and Leaders Conferences. So, you have influenced a large number of Catholics. How do you think your contributions have helped Catholics grow in their faith?

After visiting 84 countries to preach retreats and lead Bible seminars and conferences, how do you feel your work has helped Catholics deepen their faith?

After I retired from leadership of the Indian Charismatic Renewal in 2002, and I then earned a doctorate in Chicago in 2004, I have devoted my energies entirely to the Biblical Pastoral ministry, with my base being the Catholic Bible Institute, Mumbai (of which I am Founder & Chairman). From the feedback I have received and continue to receive from laity, religious and bishops, I feel consoled that my ministry has been very fruitful. This is because, though our Church gives great importance to God’s written Word in the Bible, in practice the whole emphasis has been only on our Eucharistic and Marian devotions. Most Catholics were, or still are, unfamiliar with the Scriptures and with the Catholic way of interpreting biblical texts. So, my work, together with Dr Renu Silvano OCV, and Deacon Inacin, and the late Fr Rufus Pereira, has happily been blessed by God. Many people have experienced the truth of Jesus’ words, “My words are spirit and life” (Jn 6:63), and the truth of the Second Vatican Council’s decree DEI VERBUM: “Such is the force and power of the Word of God that it can serve God’s People as strength for their faith, food for the soul, and a pure and lasting fount of spiritual life…” (n.21).

6. You have authored 26 books, 9 in collaboration with Dr. Renu Rita Silvano. They have been published in several foreign languages and regional languages of India. Which of your books do you consider among the most significant?

Of your 26 books, including 9 co-authored with Dr Renu Rita Silvano and published in various foreign and Indian languages, which do you consider most significant?

They are God’s Best Ideas, Co-heirs With Christ, The Full Gospel, The Holy Spirit, God’s Word Nourishes and Broadening The Horizons Of Our Minds.

7. You published three books in 2023. How did you manage to do that?

Because of the COVID pandemic, all travel for retreats, etc., was out of the question from 2020-22, also our Bible Institute was closed, so I had plenty of time!

8. Tell us something about your latest books and by whom they are distributed.

The latest, co-authored with Dr Renu Silvano, is Life Of Jesus As Contemplated By Mary, published and available with the Daughters of St Paul, Mumbai. It is a beautiful, novel, and fully biblical re-construction of the Life of Christ, narrated by his Mother. Focusing on the Joyful, Luminous, Sorrowful, and Glorious Mysteries of the Rosary, it uses the Ignatian prayer method called Application of the Senses to contemplate the various events of the life of Christ.

The second latest is The Full Gospel – A Pauline Perspective, published by the Fathers of St Paul, Mumbai. As Archbp. Anil Couto of Delhi wrote in his review, “This precious book is a spiritual treasure which is not to be read once and kept aside but to be returned to again and again for our spiritual nourishment, especially in moments when strong negative currents from within and without tend to take us away from the path of the Gospel.”

---

Interviewed by Ms Janina Gomes

To subscribe to the magazine, click Subscribe

Legacy is a living current – a quiet force flowing through generations, inspiring purpose, compassion, and faith. As we present the 100th issue of the Magnet, we honour the magazine’s remarkable journey. Born in 2016, it was founded with the vision that the voices of India’s men and women Religious would be seen, heard, and understood. Magnet has grown into more than a publication; it stands as a testament to the courage, compassion, and dedication of India’s Religious and committed laypeople. Each issue brings their witness to life, sharing stories of resilience, faith, and lives transformed by God’s love. With this centenary edition, we renew our mission – a legacy woven into every word, every page.

Memory as a Sacred Act

Remembering is not simply a nostalgic gaze; it is a sacred act that unites past, present, and future. This December, as we honour the legacy of the miraculous birth that brought hope and compassion to the world, we also celebrate Magnet‘s legacy. For St. Augustine, memory is more than recollection – it is a journey into God’s timeless presence, where remembering becomes an encounter with the divine. Through memory, we witness God’s faithfulness, binding the past and the future in divine love.

Jesus taught us the value of memory, as shown in his praise of the woman who anointed him. Her simple act of love, he declared, would be remembered forever. In honouring her, Jesus redefined dignity beyond societal labels, making her gesture a powerful “dangerous memory” that challenges comfort and calls for justice. This transformative call to remember shapes us into people of courage and compassion.

Dangerous Memories: The Call to Witness

The Magnet exists to honour not only comforting memories but also those “dangerous memories” that demand justice and inspire action. Each issue is an invitation to confront hard truths, to recall the challenges faced by those on the margins, and to respond with faith and compassion. In this milestone edition, we honour the legacy of men and women religious who accompany the vulnerable and challenge systems of oppression. In hospitals, schools, remote villages, and urban centres, they carry memories of love and healing that call us to become agents of transformation. These memories, though often hidden, inspire us to walk alongside those who suffer, reminding us of our shared mission of mercy and hope.

Pope Francis on Memory and Mission

For Pope Francis, memory lies at the heart of the Church’s Mission. In Evangelii Gaudium, he calls the Eucharist a profound act of memory, where we recall Christ’s Life, Death, and Resurrection and renew our commitment to the Gospel. In Fratelli Tutti, he urges us to keep alive the ideals of fraternity, justice, and peace, for memory sustains the values that shape our shared humanity.

The Magnet embodies this mission, amplifying the voices of religious communities across India, connecting readers to stories of faith, struggle, and hope. Each story reminds us of Christ’s presence and calls us to honour everyday heroes who live the Gospel. With this centenary issue, we celebrate Magnet‘s legacy and the legacy of all who bring its mission to life.

A Legacy for Future Generations

This 100th issue of Magnet is more than a publication; it is a tribute to the faith community that sustains it. For the past two and a half years, I have had the honour of serving as editor, following Fr. Joe Mannath, who led Magnet for its first six foundational years. Together, we have journeyed with writers whose voices bring depth, insight, and hope – religious sisters, brothers, priests, and laypeople who share reflections, spiritual experiences, and dedication to others’ welfare. Their contributions have made the Magnet a beacon of wisdom and compassion, inspiring us to remember, reflect, and renew our faith and purpose.

This magazine is a collective responsibility, shared by our readers, writers, designer, printers, and editorial team. It has become a community bound by faith and love. In celebrating Magnet‘s 100th issue, we honour the legacy of religious life in India and the Church, renewing our commitment to live out the call of the Gospel.

An Invitation to Remember

As Pope Francis reminds us, a “Church that remembers is a Church that serves, loves, and reconciles.” This 100th issue of Magnet invites all to join in remembering: to hold the joys and struggles of the past, embrace today’s challenges, and nurture hope for tomorrow. Through remembrance, we engage in a sacred rhythm, one that calls us to transformation and inspires healing in a wounded world.

In the cover stories and other articles of this centenary edition, memory emerges as a dynamic force – not merely a bridge to the past but a powerful influence that shapes our lives, grounding us in faith and guiding us towards hope. Each page reminds us of the legacy we are called to uphold, as we become part of a future transformed by love.

We offer this centenary edition as a testament to God’s enduring grace, with deep gratitude to all who have made Magnet possible: our writers, readers, and dedicated team. Together, may we honour this legacy and continue towards a world where compassion lights every path, and memory brightens every heart.

---

Pushpa Joseph

To subscribe to the magazine, click Subscribe

“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

To read the entire article, click Subscribe