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As the world observes the World Day of Migrants and Refugees on September 29, we are reminded of the urgent plight of displaced individuals and the necessity for a response that safeguards their rights and dignity. Every person deserves the right to live with dignity in their homeland. Yet, wars, natural disasters, persecution, and widespread discrimination have displaced millions, stripping them of their homes, jobs, and families. Across India, people migrate in search of better opportunities, driven by circumstances often beyond their control.

A Glimpse into Odisha’s Migration Crisis

Odisha, a major source state for migration in India, exemplifies the challenges faced by displaced communities. Sundargarh district, in particular, is a significant contributor to migration, largely due to the development of mines, dams, and factories that displace people to remote areas lacking basic infrastructure. Additionally, Odisha’s vulnerability to natural disasters like cyclones and floods frequently compels communities to relocate, both within and beyond the state, in search of safer living conditions.

The Plight of Displaced Communities

In recent years, illegal land acquisitions have severely impacted indigenous communities in Odisha, with Sundargarh district being the hardest hit. In the Hemgir block of Sundargarh, 14 villages affected by mining still haven’t received their promised compensation, rehabilitation, or resettlement. Their land was taken for Mahanadi Coalfields Ltd (MCL) back in 1988, 34 years ago, yet they have yet to receive the benefits guaranteed under the Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act of 2013.

SR RANJITA TIRKEY HM

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I want to share an enthralling episode involving my friend and her 4-year-old daughter, Yannah, during the Mumbai monsoon. When the windows are open, insects and moths often take temporary shelter inside their house. Like any other child, Yannah doesn’t like moths and panics when she sees one. However, she has a jar with a purpose. Whenever an insect flies or crawls into the house, she carefully captures it in the jar and covers it. Then, someone in the house must go outside and set it free, without harming it. One day, Yannah found a moth and gently placed it inside the jar. But as everyone got busy, they forgot to release it. Yannah approached her mother, pleading to let the moth out. Though her mother was trying to finish her work quickly, Yannah was worried and cried, “Mama, if you don’t let it out soon, it will die.” Her plea was so sincere that it made her mother stop her work abruptly and release the moth, still alive. Later, her mother shared that despite her fear and dislike of moths, she didn’t want them to die. Her love overtook her fear. Yannah’s actions reminded me of Rudy Francisco’s poem:

She asks me to kill the spider.
Instead, I get the most
peaceful weapons I can find.

I take a cup and a napkin.
I catch the spider, put it outside
and allow it to walk away.

If I am ever caught in the wrong place
at the wrong time, just being alive
and not bothering anyone,

I hope I am greeted
with the same kind
of mercy.

Little Yannah may not be fully aware that she is created in the ‘image and likeness of God,’ but she certainly behaved that way. She respected and provided every creature with a chance to live on this earth, even those she was uncomfortable with. She kept her dignity intact and alive. Our dignity is bestowed upon us by God. Every human being is loved and willed by God and thus possesses inviolable dignity.

FR. RICOPAR ROYAN SDB

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The tragedy that struck Wayanad on the night of July 30, 2024, was nothing short of catastrophic. A devastating landslide triggered by relentless monsoon rains and a sudden cloudburst claimed over 415 lives, with more than 200 people still missing. The once picturesque district of Kerala, known for its lush hills and valleys, now bears the scars of unimaginable loss and destruction.

We friars, with our friary located within a 20-kilometer radius of the disaster, witnessed firsthand the horror and devastation that unfolded. Many of those who survived had nothing but the soaked and tattered clothes on their backs as they scrambled for safety in the dark, cold, and rain. They sought refuge in the hills and woods, amidst the very real danger of wild elephants, clinging to life with fear in their hearts and tears in their eyes. Entire families, including migrant workers, lost loved ones as the landslides reduced homes, schools, places of worship, and vital infrastructure to rubble. The once-gentle Chaliyar River and the beautiful streams of Chooralmala hill turned into torrents of destruction, leaving behind a landscape of despair.

Wayanad, one of the most underdeveloped districts in Kerala, is a region of breathtaking natural beauty but limited infrastructure. The area has no train or flight services, with the nearest railway station or airport located about 100 kilometers away. Our friary, Prakruthi Mithra—meaning “Friend of Nature”—is nestled in the remote village of Meppadi Panchayat, surrounded by marginalized communities, including tribal hamlets, tea garden workers, and settlers from various cultures and religions. Here, we strive to promote a harmonious relationship with nature, respecting, protecting, and sustaining the environment.

Fr. Babu Jose Pamplany OFM

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The idea that being celibate is more spiritual or holy than being sexually active is becoming more questionable, especially in a world where many married people are deeply involved in important causes like peace, ecology, feminism, social justice, and Church ministries. For them, marriage enhances their commitment to these efforts rather than limiting it.

A RETHINK NEEDED

The vows of poverty and obedience seem relevant in today’s world. As environmental crises intensify, the call to live simply and sustainably becomes a rational choice. Amid political chaos, obedience underscores the urgent need for mutual collaboration.

In contrast, the vow of chastity or celibacy perplexes many today. In a world longing for love and intimacy, where healthy psychosexual expression is desperately needed, choosing to abstain can seem like a deeply irresponsible and bewildering choice.

 If chastity merely suppresses sexuality for its own sake, it’s not what the world needs. Suppression only hides simmering volcanoes, ready to erupt. Barbara Fiand opines, “Perhaps our celibate chastity has never been lived. It may have been avoided instead. Propriety rather than passion was our guiding principle.”

To this day, Mount Athos in Greece forbids female animals, fearing that their natural behaviours might provoke sexual responses among the monks within the Orthodox monastery. Historically, the discipline of chastity often caged individuals in systems that stifled love. The approach was to confine people until the hormones faded, leaving people as desiccated individuals.

If our lives are to serve as public witnesses, it’s time to have open conversations with the wider Church and society on living sexuality in a way that upholds human dignity. We also must thoughtfully engage with the expanding literature on human sexuality from all disciplines. To make religious life relevant today, we must rethink the vow entirely and even rename it to something more relevant – THE VOW FOR RELATEDNESS. Here are six touchstones of this revisited commitment.

Br. Sunil Britto CFC

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In the recently held general elections in India I know of a community of eight religious of whom only three, that is 37.5%, exercised their right to vote. The overall voter turnout in India was 66.33%.  This election was considered by many as being crucially important for democracy in India.  And yet some of us chose not to fulfil our duty!

Participation in Politics – A Moral Obligation

            Human beings are born into a small group called a family.  To live, develop and attain their fulfilment they organize themselves into bigger groups.  That these groups may function smoothly they make laws for themselves according to which they live and act.  These laws also determine who will have authority and govern them.  Politics, in the broad sense, is the activity or process through which people make, preserve and modify the general rules under which they live to attain their maximum fulfilment. Since no human being can live and develop alone, and all need a group at least with minimum laws and organization, Aristotle, the Greek philosopher says that human being “is a political animal.”  Politics can also be described as “the art of government” or as “the set of activities that are associated with making decisions in groups, or other forms of power relations among individuals, such as the distribution of resources or status.”

            Since politics aims at the development, fulfilment and happiness of all human beings and the enhancement of the quality of their life, it exists for the common good.  The common good refers to “the sum total of social conditions which allow people, either as groups or as individuals, to reach their fulfilment more fully and more easily.” (Compendium of the Social Doctrine of the Church, n. 164). Pope Francis affirms that “Politics, though often denigrated, remains a lofty vocation and one of the highest forms of charity, inasmuch as it seeks the common good” (Evangelii Gaudium, n. 205).

Jose Kuttianimattathil, sdb

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““Out of compassion, I destroy the darkness of their ignorance. From within them I light the lamp of wisdom and dispel all darkness from their lives.”

– Bhagavad Gita.

Reflecting on compassion seems like a never-ending process and so here we are, dedicating one more issue to this magnificent human quality. There are three specific aspects of compassion that are particularly important for priests and religious to consider. I am certain that each of these aspects will have something to tell us because they touch the sensitive and delicate layers of our humanness.  I dare say that these reflections may spark a ray of light and enkindle our consciousness.

1. Compassion Fatigue Affects those who Serve Others

Compassion comes from the Latin word ‘compati meaning ‘to suffer with’. The Italian translation is ‘compatire’, a word which according to my Italian friends, has taken a derogatory sense now, meaning an air of condescension and pity on a person who experiences suffering. But the original meaning of ‘compati’ signifies that there is so much resonance with the suffering person that the compassionate person too experiences the same emotions.

In my doctoral thesis on, ‘The Balance of Psychological Well-being among Diocesan Priests’ (2022), and again in the book, ‘Take care of Priests’ (2022), I had written saying that priests are required to fulfil numerous responsibilities such as being a preacher, teacher, administrator, counsellor, fundraiser, media-person and social worker. Religious sisters too are expected to fulfil such roles and are expected to be ready and ‘on call’ at any time of the day and night. The beneficiaries place such heavy demands on priests and religious that they end up experiencing ‘Compassion Fatigue’.

Fr. Dr. Joseph Jeyaraj, sdb

Teaching, once a noble calling, has become an ordeal in today’s world. This makes it crucial for teachers to find deep inspiration to engage with students meaningfully. This inspiration comes from recognizing the innate holiness and dignity of the classroom, where students are like unacknowledged deities. My hope is to awaken or confirm an understanding of this profound dignity—something often hard to see, yet undeniably present. Though my experience as a teacher is limited, the wisdom I’ve gained is deep and fruitful. I’ve engaged young children with enthusiasm, walked school corridors with the eyes of an inspector, supported stressed 10th graders preparing for exams, witnessed the competitive spirit in students, and listened to the long stories of both students and teachers. These varied experiences have convinced me that the calling of a Christian teacher is best realized by viewing the classroom as a place of divine encounter. I know I’m not alone in this belief. Many science teachers view the universe through the lens of faith, math teachers are devoted to their faith, and English teachers pray, shaping their vision with faith and charity. Business and economics teachers challenge students to integrate morality into every aspect of life. Principals who love the Christian faith work hard to promote life-giving principles in their schools. What do I want to say to these teachers? I want to assure them that they do experience holiness and dignity within the classroom walls, even if they are often unaware of it.

Melting of a Candle

The ordeal of a teacher is shaped by the daily sufferings, stresses, and struggles they endure. This truth highlights that our daily crosses are not signs of something profoundly wrong but affirmations that things are as they should be. Like a candle, we bring light and warmth to others only at the expense of ourselves—that is the law of the cross. Without understanding this, we cannot fully grasp the essence of our teaching mission. Mother Teresa often said, “You can’t do God’s work without suffering.” Christians seem to have forgotten this irrefutable truth. If your work is easy and devoid of the cross, it might be good work, but it might not be God’s work. The Christian calling involves entering into Christ’s suffering. Perhaps things aren’t meant to be easy. Many teachers define a good day as smooth and hassle free, and a bad day as one filled with stress and confrontations. From a Christian perspective, this mindset is unproductive and fruitless. The New Testament reminds us: “Blessed are those who mourn…those who hunger and thirst for what is right…those who are persecuted for righteousness’ sake” (Mt. 5:3-12). Most importantly, “If anyone wishes to follow me, let him renounce himself, take up his cross daily, and follow me” (Lk. 9:23). Pain is a daily reality for those who choose to follow Jesus. “Anyone who wants to save his life will lose it, but anyone who loses his life for my sake will find it.” St. Paul also teaches, “I am happy to suffer for you now, and in my own body, to make up all the hardships that still must be undergone by Christ for the sake of his Body, the Church.”

SR DR FLOROPIA BORGES UMI

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The first words addressed to the young girl Mary, quite unexpectedly, were “Hail Mary Full of Grace.” During this month, we celebrate and greet Mary by singing “AVE, AVE, AVE MARIA” millions and millions of times in all the languages all over the world. She has become an AVE, and she is AVE among us. She lives among us, AVE.

“Hail” is the reverential word of greeting generally addressed to sovereigns, kings, queens, presidents, prime ministers, chief ministers, or other prominent personalities. Why did Mary, at her tender and young age, receive this title, and that too not from an ordinary person but from and through the messenger of God, the angel Gabriel? Gabriel means a Man of God.

What sort of star was she going to be? What was she expected to become with this greeting of “Ave”/“Hail”? Was she prepared to become a queen, as the people of Israel and even the apostles (James and John and their mother) expected Jesus to be, with a kingdom on earth, or was she to be someone greater? Or was she aware of the painful reality and ready to take up the responsibility? For a young girl like her, it would be too much to expect her to understand and know about the meaning and purpose of this mysterious greeting. But what she probably understood and accepted was the assurance in the other five short words: “Nothing is impossible for God” (Lk. 1:37). A deep-rooted and magnanimous faith of this sort is what she expects each one of us to have.

Fr Vincent Samy MSFS

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Mending the Line (2022): 122 minutes

Director: Joshua Caldwell

Cast: Brian Cox, Sinqua Walls, Patricia Heaton, Perry Mattfeld, Wes Studi, Irene Bedard, Tristan Thompson.

The movie explores the struggles of Colter, an American Marine dealing with post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) after returning from the Afghan war. The film opens with a poignant statement: “There’s more great literature written about fly fishing than any other sport,” setting up fly fishing as a central motif. This traditional Western hobby, involving the use of artificial lures to catch fish like Salmon and Trout, becomes a crucial element of Colter’s healing journey.

Haunted by the guilt of losing his comrades and grappling with alcoholism, Colter is eager to return to the battlefield. At a veteran’s rehabilitation center, he meets Dr. Burke, who encourages him to confront his condition with a realistic perspective. Although Colter initially resists and reacts angrily to Dr. Burke’s guidance, he eventually begins to open up through his interactions with Ike, a senior veteran who frequents the center. Ike, an avid fly fisherman, becomes a mentor to Colter, introducing him to the therapeutic practice of fly fishing.

As Colter learns the art of fly fishing from Ike, he also befriends Harrison, the owner of a local tackle shop. Despite some initial friction, their bond strengthens through their shared passion.

The film also introduces Lucy, a local librarian who volunteers at the rehab center by bringing and reading books to the patients. She, too, is a wounded soul, this creates a shared understanding between her, Colter, and Ike. Each character struggles with their past traumas, but they find ways to cope with their realities. Through their collective experiences, Colter, Ike, and Lucy find ways to manage their traumas and rebuild their lives. The film ultimately highlights fly fishing as more than just a pastime; it serves as a powerful tool for rehabilitation and emotional recovery among American war veterans.

Amistad (1997): 145 minutes

Director: Steven Spielberg

Cast : Morgan Freeman, Nigel Hawthorne, Anthony Hopkins, Djimon Hounsou, Matthew McConaughey, David Paymer, Pete Postlethwaite, Anna Paquin.

Spielberg’s celebrated film is based on a historical event that happened against the background of the heinous practice of slavery in the United States in the early 19^th century. It is a spectacular and dramatic story that brings to focus the horrors of human slavery and also the heroic struggles put up by conscientious individuals against it. The story opens on board the slave ship Amistad in August 1839, which was carrying hundreds of Africans from Sierra Leone captured by Portuguese slave hunters and illegally transported them to the Spanish colony of Cuba. Despite the abolition of the transatlantic slave trade in the U.S., Britain, and other European countries, it continued, with Havana as a central hub. On board were 53 Africans, including women, girls, and babies, bought by Spanish plantation owners. One of the captives, Joseph Cinque, led a revolt, killing the ship’s captain and cook. The surviving slave owners were spared under the promise of returning them to Africa. Instead, they deceived the Africans, sailing to New York where the ship was seized by American naval officers. This led to a complex legal battle in New England over the captives’ status. The case hinged on whether the Africans were descendants of slaves (and thus could be punished for murder) or were illegally brought from Africa (and thus could claim self-defense). President Martin Van Buren sought to extradite the Africans to Cuba, but Northern abolitionists, led by Lewis Tappan, defended the captives, recognizing the immorality of their situation. They enlisted an Afro-American interpreter to present the captives’ story in court. The case ultimately reached the Supreme Court, where former President John Quincy Adams, a staunch anti-slavery advocate, successfully argued on behalf of the Africans. Cinque and the remaining survivors were eventually returned to their homeland by Christian missionaries, marking a significant moment in the struggle against slavery and the fight for justice.

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There are life stories that intertwine, much like that of the two Arab physicians Saints Cosmas and Damien with their legendary acts of healing and charity; the twin half-brothers in the Greek mythology Castor and Pollux who were inseparable and often depicted together; Laurel and Hardy in comedy films who entertained us when we were children with their humour; the classic cartoon duo Tom and Jerry, Tom being the cat and Jerry the mouse, known for their endless pursuit and evasions, with their everlasting camaraderie or Bonnie and Clyde, the infamous criminals who gained notoriety during the Great Depression for their crimes across the central United States.

Such is the narrative of Fabio and Diego in Bogotá.

Diego

Diego had become a constant source of frustration for our community at the home for elderly men. Night after night, he would sneak in, sleeping in the washroom and leaving traces of marijuana behind. His shamelessness—or perhaps desperation—grew to the point where he started stealing clothes of our elderly men off the line, and this became a daily occurrence. The final straw was when our sewing machine went missing. I had had enough and reported him to the police, who quickly tracked him down, as everyone knew him as the local drug addict. After a severe beating, Diego revealed where he had hidden the sewing machine, which was found at the house of “Saint Mona,” the local bar manager. She claimed ignorance but never admitted that she had bought it from Diego for just three dollars. Eventually, Diego ended up behind bars, and I finally had some peace—at least until Fabio came into the picture.

Br Carmel Duca MC

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