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“Our emotions are the messengers of our souls, calling us to heal and transform ourselves.” – Sue Patton Thoele

In the last issue, we discussed three essential elements of the emotional dimension. They were: emotional literacy that leads to emotional intelligence, and the two together enable a person to be emotionally competent. As promised earlier, we shall delve into the eight-step process by which a religious can become emotionally competent. As a counsellor and therapist, I have often heard these statements from those who come with emotional issues: “I have no control over my emotions”, “I was born this way”, “This is the only way I know to react to situations” and “Do you know how much I tried, but never succeeded in controlling my emotions.”

Do you notice an almost exasperated sense of despair and resignation in these words? Those of us who have been in this situation would understand how difficult it is when our emotions are not in our control. The diversity of emotions that we experience in our everyday life makes us feel as if we are on a rollercoaster experiencing various emotions at different moments of the day.

I remember the life of a young sister who was responsible for the social ministry in her community. She was full of life, hard-working and enthusiastic in her ministry. She was admired for her preferential love for the poor and for her constant presence among the people. But she was also someone who wore her heart on her sleeve, meaning to say, she was highly emotional and exceedingly expressive.

On a single day, she would experience a mixture of emotions. If she had had a good sleep, she would start the day being vivacious and humorous. During the day, when she noticed someone doing mischief, she would blow her top and make sure that the person concerned understood how angry she was. When someone met with an accident, she would drop everything else, stay with the wounded person, take them to the doctor and buy medicines for them. When she saw any kind of injustice done to the people, she would immediately raise her voice and fight for the right thing to be done. And, when someone criticised her or humiliated her in front of others, she would feel self-pity, feel rejected and shed tears.

Fr. Dr. Joseph Jeyaraj, sdb

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Does every human being have a predetermined destination in life? And if so, how do we navigate towards it? Is there a celestial GPS that can guide us to this ultimate destination? As we journey through life, each of us yearns for something beyond the mundane, and undoubtedly, our deepest longing is to reach Heaven – our final destination. In our modern world, we rely on GPS systems to navigate physical journeys efficiently. But does the same principle apply to our spiritual journey? Regardless of nationality or origin, whether Indian, American, British, or Italian, our ultimate goal remains unchanged: to reach Heaven. But does the Holy Bible provide us with the GPS coordinates to this celestial realm? If so, where can we find this spiritual GPS? The path to our destination is illuminated in Matthew 7:21, which states: ‘Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the Will of my Father who is in Heaven.’

Directions to Heaven

Now the question arises: What is the Will of the Father? What does the GPS from the Holy Bible tell us about reaching Heaven? Jesus provides us with practical guidance, outlining clear routes to reach our celestial destination. He not only assures us that by doing the Father’s Will, we shall reach Heaven, but also wonderfully describes what the Will of the Father entails. The GPS to Heaven, given by our Redeemer Jesus, is specific and unwavering. Let us delve further into His teachings. ‘Then the King will say to those on His right, “Come, you who are blessed of My Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world. For I was hungry, and you gave Me something to eat; I was thirsty, and you gave Me something to drink; I was a stranger, and you invited Me in; naked, and you clothed Me; I was sick, and you visited Me; I was in prison, and you came to Me.” Then the righteous will answer Him, “Lord, when did we see you hungry, and feed you, or thirsty, and give you something to drink? And when did we see you as a stranger, and invite you in, or naked, and clothe you? When did we see you sick or in prison and come to you?” The King will answer and say to them, “Truly I say to you, to the extent that you did it to one of these brothers and sisters of mine, even the least of them, you did it to me” (Mt 25:34-40)

Sr. Lini Sheeja MSC

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The most noticeable outcome of the Second Vatican Council was the reform of Catholic liturgy. Of all the Vatican II documents, Sacrosanctum Concilium stands out for its direct impact on the daily lives of Catholics worldwide.

This document, spanning almost 13,000 words, was the first Vatican II text to be published. Its adoption was resoundingly endorsed by the Council fathers, with 2,147 votes to 4, culminating in its promulgation on December 4, 1963.

Speaking on this document, Pope Francis, on August 24, 2017, emphasized that “the reform of the liturgy is irreversible” and urged continued dedication to its implementation.

BREAKING CONVENTION WITH NOMENCLATURE 

There’s a longstanding convention of titling Vatican documents with the first few words of their official Latin text. These chosen words often provide a glimpse into the document’s subject matter.

This Vatican II Document, titled ‘Sacrosanctum Concilium’ or ‘Most Sacred Council,’ interestingly diverges from this norm. Its Latin title reveals nothing about its contents; instead, it names the authorship of the document, which is the Council itself.

The intention behind the departure from the convention was to emphasize to the People of God that the liturgy served as the foundation of their discussions and the paramount issue among all others to be addressed.

Br. Sunil Britto CFC

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The symbiotic relationship of humanity with nature is not merely a matter of survival but a sacred trust bestowed upon us by divine providence. The Bible is full of environmental narratives. Within the poetic verses of Genesis 1:28-30, we find not only a divine charge but a sacred covenant bestowed upon humanity: “I am putting you in charge of the fish, the birds and all the wild animals.” These words carry a profound responsibility, elevating us to custodians of Creation, entrusted with the stewardship of Earth’s rich tapestry of life. Pope Francis’s ‘Laudato Si,’ released on May 24, 2015, echoes this ancient wisdom, urging us to recognize our role as caretakers of our ‘Common Home.’ In this divine affirmation lies a poignant reminder of our sacred duty to cherish and protect the wondrous diversity of life that flourishes within our world. It emphasizes the interconnections of all living beings and the urgency of environmental stewardship.

Then God commanded, “Let the water be filled with many kinds of living beings, and let the air be filled with birds” (Genesis 1:20-23). Living and non-living creatures depend on forests for livelihood. “I have provided all kinds of fruit for you to eat; but for all the wild animals and for all birds I have provided grass and leafy plants for food” (Genesis 1:30-31). Forests are the most needed for all the creatures. Deforestation of forests leads to disequilibrium in the environment, affecting biodiversity and ecology, climate change, and natural calamities. With the destruction of green forests, creatures will become extinct. Green forests and wild animals will be a mirage for the younger/future generations.

FR ALEXANDER EKKA SJ

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In life’s journey, happiness and adversity intertwine like roses and thorns. Robert Collier once said, “In every adversity, there lies the seed of an equivalent advantage.  Every defeat is a lesson showing you how to win the victory next time.”  This reminds us that within challenges, there are opportunities for growth and triumph. Just as roses bear thorns, our lives hold both joy and pain. Yet, it’s through facing adversity that we discover our true strength. With faith and support, we can navigate through suffering, knowing that we’re not alone on this journey. Embrace the journey, for even in the darkest moments, there’s a glimmer of hope. Like following the footsteps of those who’ve walked before us, we find solace in knowing that we can overcome adversities, trials, and tribulations. Let’s cherish both the roses and the thorns, for they shape us into who we are meant to become.

Adversities are Adorable

Amidst life’s storms, true champions emerge, displaying courage in the face of adversity. Consider the story of Helen Keller, who, despite being deaf and blind, became a renowned author and advocate for the disabled. Her hardships didn’t define her; they propelled her towards greatness. Adversity is essential for character development, akin to the beautiful butterfly emerging after enduring darkness. As Joseph B. Wirthelin pointed out, “Life opens more opportunities through dark moments.” Just as farmers benefit from rain during storms, learning to dance in the rain is a vital life skill. Adversity, like shadows, signifies light on the other side.

Sr Dr Josephine

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I have grown to appreciate the beauty of diversity in all its forms. It all began in my 12th grade when I had the opportunity to study and live with multicultural students. At that time, I was open to learning and adapting, unaware of the terms ‘multicultural’ and ‘diversity’, but drawn to being with people from different backgrounds. I used to participate in all Pujas and visit temples just to see the place and purchase something. There was no distinction between different religions; I simply enjoyed being with friends of other faiths.  I embraced changes in my attitude, thinking, and perspective but kept my core values. Our warden and teachers were constant sources of motivation.I learned about multiculturalism and diversity from my father, who worked in the Treasury office. His job involved meeting people from various cultures and working with staff members and friends from diverse backgrounds. Sometimes his friends visited us.

Then I joined the religious life. There, too, I had the opportunity to meet persons from other states. Though it took me some time to adjust initially, each day brought new discoveries. These interactions not only broadened my horizons but also instilled in me a deep appreciation for others. Now I enjoy being around people from diverse cultures and backgrounds, finding inspiration and growth in the unique perspectives of others.

SR RANJITA TIRKEY HM

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Poikilo is a Greek word that means ‘varied’ or ‘many-colored.’ Here I introduce a new phobia termed as ‘Poikilophobia’, to mean the ‘fear of accepting diversities’. This article is an attempt to prove that synodality or the synodal way of life proposed by the Church is the medicine for poikilophobia.

In fact, biologically ‘each person is a celebration of diversities.’ Even though one’s eyes seem similar, some scientific studies say that the right eyeball is slightly smaller than the left one! It is even said that almost everyone has a dominant eye, even if the difference between the two eyes doesn’t feel that stark! We are surprised to understand that fingerprints also vary among one’s own fingers, this means to say that a person has unique print on each finger. It is also notable that ‘humankind itself is a celebration of diversities.’ An easy way to understand this is to know that no two people have ever been found to have the same fingerprints – including identical twins!

Of course, the Creator of human beings loved the diversity in a person and among persons. The Creator believed in the integral unity in a human being.  The Creator has ‘decorated the unity of humanity with diversity.’ However, many seek a ‘fake unity’ saying that ‘we look alike, or we follow the same tradition, or we have the same religious belief’ etc. Seeking unity does not mean to gather a group of people who seem to think, act and speak the same things. This is a challenge to the Creator who loves diversities! Therefore, let us say that the ‘fake unity’ is the result of human ego and fear of existence. Here comes the relevance of the Synod, which calls for sharing, listening to and reflecting on diversities.

Fr Binny Mary Das

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Diversity refers to the presence of a wide range of human differences. This can include – albeit not limited to – race, ethnicity, gender, sexual orientation, socio-economic status, age, physical abilities, religious beliefs, and political beliefs. Although the world boasts a remarkable richness of diversity, India stands out as one of the most diverse countries on the planet. India wears its diversity like a vibrant, woven tapestry. But here’s the amazing thing: this diversity isn’t just tolerated; it’s celebrated! India’s diversity is beautifully woven with cultures, traditions, languages, and religions, showcasing millennia of rich history. From the majestic peaks of the Himalayas to the sun-drenched shores of Kanyakumari, India’s panorama exudes a spectrum of colours, with each region presenting its own distinct essence. This multifaceted terrain cultivates an atmosphere where unity harmonizes with a myriad of identities. Let us briefly delineate some prominent ones.

Indian Diversity. (i) Indian Cultural Kaleidoscope dazzles with diversity, spanning classical dances, musical melodies, literary treasures, artistic wonders, architectural marvels, linguistic nuances, religious vistas, culinary delights, and cherished traditions. (ii) Festive Splendour of India echoes throughout the year, each one rich in unique lore and rituals – crossing religious and regional boundaries.

(iii) Spiritual Harmony: India hosts a mosaic of religious traditions, fostering an ethos of tolerance and reverence. (iv) Linguistic Flourish: With over 1,600 languages and dialects, India stands as a testament to linguistic diversity – each tongue is a vessel of cultural legacy. (v) Culinary Odyssey of India unfolds an array of flavours, textures, and aromas, each region boasting its own signature.

Fr Arnald Mahesh SDB

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Cabrini (2024) runtime: 145 minutes.

Director: Alejandro Gómez Monteverde

Cast: Cristiana Dell’Anna, David Morse Romana Maggiora Vergano Federico Ielapi Virginia Bocelli Rolando Villazón Giancarlo Giannini John Lithgow

This biopic celebrates the incredible life of Saint Frances Cabrini, the first Catholic saint of the USA. Born Maria Francesca Cabrini in 1850 in Lombardy, she was the youngest of thirteen children in a peasant family. Despite facing discouragement due to poor health, Francesca pursued her dream of missionary work. She founded the Missionary Sisters of the Sacred Heart of Jesus and met Pope Leo XIII, expressing her desire to serve in China. Instead, she was directed to New York to aid Italian immigrants living in dire poverty.  Despite her own health struggles, she established hospitals and over 67 institutions to serve the needy, becoming a beacon of hope. She passed away in 1917 and was canonized in 1946.  The film vividly portrays the harsh realities faced by Italian immigrants in late 19th-century New York City and the discrimination they endured. We meet Mother Frances Xavier Cabrini, battling lung disease but unwavering in her determination to establish a missionary community. Despite societal norms barring women from such missions, Frances holds onto her childhood dream of serving in China. Rebuffed by a Cardinal in Rome, she appeals directly to the Pope, expressing her desire to aid the poor in China. Recognizing her fervor, the Pope grants her an exception, redirecting her to New York. Struggling to find housing, Frances finds herself sheltered in a brothel, facing harassment. Despite the Archbishop’s discouragement, she secures his support with a recommendation from the Pope. Immersed in a hospital establishment, her health deteriorates, yet she perseveres. Confronting the city’s sleazy underworld and bureaucratic indifference, Frances triumphs. She lived to 67, witnessing America’s recognition of her work. Her mission later expanded to the Far East, leaving an enduring legacy of compassion.

The Story of Ruth (1960): Runtime: 132 minutes

Director: Henry Koster

Cast: Elana Eden, Stuart Whitman, Tom Tryon, Peggy Wood, Viveca Lindfors, Jeff Morrow

A modern retelling of the Book of Ruth, this poignant tale delves into themes of love and family bonds. Ruth and her sister Orpha, married to brothers Mahlon and Chilion, find themselves in Moab as Judean immigrants during the time of the Judges. Ruth, initially destined for sacrifice as a priestess of the Moabite deity Chemos, is spared due to a blemish. Despite her role, she forms a bond with a sacrificial pupil named Tebah. Mahlon, an artisan, is tasked with adorning Tebah’s ritual crown, leading to debates that challenge Ruth’s faith. Horrified by the practice of child sacrifice, Ruth flees but faces punishment. Meanwhile, Naomi’s family suffers imprisonment and enslavement. Ruth helps Mahlon escape, and they marry before his death. When Naomi decides to return to Bethlehem, Ruth vows to stay by her side. In Bethlehem, Boaz, a kinsman, offers assistance, setting the stage for a tale of redemption and enduring loyalty. Moab and Israel were traditional enemies. Ruth is wary of Boaz’s support because she is from Moab. Boaz sends provisions to the two widows through Tob, one of his kinsmen. However, Tob develops feelings for Ruth, causing tension. Boaz extends his hospitality to the women, impressing Ruth with his nobility. As their relationship deepens, Tob becomes Boaz’s rival, claiming Ruth as his right according to custom. Ruth faces further challenge when two Moabite men arrive to trap her, accusing her of idol worship. Boaz, secretly judging the case, witnesses Ruth’s admission of her past idolatry and exposes the men’s ignorance of Israel and its laws. With Naomi’s help, Ruth persuades Tob to renounce his claim, and Boaz marries her, setting the stage for her eventual role as the great-grandmother of King David.

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During a journey aboard the Coromandel Express from Chennai to Kolkata (when it wasn’t as overcrowded as it is nowadays), I realized that the middle-aged man sitting in front of me was reading from a Bengali New Testament. It was one of those blue-covered books with the distinctive mark of a two handled pitcher and torch so typical of the Gideons International. I mastered some courage and with my rudimentary broken Hindi, I inquired if he was a Christian, to which he answered that he was a Hindu. When he perceived my surprised reaction, he continued that from all the human gods, he loved Jesus. I was struck with awe at his honesty and faith; and I was immediately reminded of a passage from Raimon Panikkar’s book The Unknown Christ of Hinduism suggesting Jesus Christ was the meeting point of Hindus and Christians (and other religions) because He came for everyone.

And that is exactly what we Christians believe: that Jesus Christ transcends boundaries, embracing all especially the poor— be they hungry, afflicted by sickness, leprosy, AIDS, possessed by demons, locked up in prison, entangled in prostitution, caught in adultery and all those who need and yearn to hear his message. Recently, the Archdiocese of Los Angeles held a memorial service honouring the homeless who died unnoticed on the streets of the city. Indeed, a beautiful gesture from the Church authorities! Yet, what lies behind this poignant gesture is another reality: no homeless man or woman is ever permitted to enter the Cathedral, promptly they are turned away at the entrance by security guards. Even access to the bathroom facilities in the parking lot is restricted lest the homeless patronize them and dirty them. (A Brother in my community was once turned away because he was mistaken for a homeless man).

Br Carmel Duca MC

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