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On October 4, 2023 a brightly burning light in the tribal heartlands of Jharkhand, Bihar, Orissa, Chhattisgarh and West Bengal was extinguished just a few days before October 15 when he would have completed eighty-four years on this earth.  A man who has been looked upon by myriads of Oraon, Munda, Kharia and the Santhal tribal men and women as a symbol of grace and elegance.  He has given identity to the Church of Chotanagapur particularly and the entire tribal belt spread out in several states.  Chotanagpur is the region of Jharkhand where the tribes are in large population. As the Archbishop of Ranchi, His Eminence Cardinal Telesphore Toppo made known his people and their sensibilities to the Church of the entire country and the whole world.

Chotanagpur Church

In 1868 Fr. Agustus Stockman S. J., set out on an arduous bullock cart journey from Midnapore to Chaibasa in Jharkhand at the direction of Archbishop Walter Stein, S.J., of Kolkata.  He established a station there in 1869 and after four years of intense efforts of Fr. Stockman, Archbishop Stein on his first pastoral visit baptized 28 Munda men, women, and children. Eventually these zealous missionaries ascended the highlands of the Chotanagpur plateau establishing several mission stations.    Among the fervent Jesuit missionaries from Belgium and Germany, Servant of God Fr. Constant Lievens, S. J., stands out as one whose ministry lasted just seven years, but with the greatest output.  His motto was, ‘The Fire Must Burn.’  He realized that “the whole country groaned under the weight of the most shocking forms of injustice”, land alienation, zamindari, exorbitant interest rates, and such ills.  He worked for their emancipation and thousands of ‘Adivasis’ who found solace to their misery in the good news brought by these men of God.   Since then, hundreds and thousands accepted the Catholic Faith and today the faithful among these tribes are spread in several dioceses across several states of the country.

Son of the Soil

Born on October 15, 1939 in an Oraon Catholic family in the remote village of Jhargaon in the present diocese of Gumla Cardinal Toppo’s journey has been a remarkable one. As a kid he walked around 5km daily to attend the Primary School and later even a greater distance to attend the High School, at Barway, Chainpur.  He was ordained a priest on 8 May, 1969.  Nine years later, on 7 October, 1978 he was consecrated as the Bishop of Dumka. On 8 November, 1984 he was appointed the Auxiliary Bishop of Ranchi and one year later he took charge as the Archbishop of Ranchi.   On 21 October, 2003  Archbishop Toppo was elevated to the status of a Cardinal, the first Asian tribal bishop to receive this honour.

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Fr Manoj Abraham TOR

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As the joyous season of Christmas unfolds once again, it beckons us to rekindle our fervor and love for Jesus. This Christmas, let us strive for a unique experience—one that goes beyond the normal festivities.  In the midst of the lights and carols, Christmas emerges as the essential embodiment of synodal solidarity, weaving together the threads of a global narrative that transcends borders and echoes through the ages. In the very essence of the Christmas story, we find diverse elements converging in harmony for a shared purpose. The shepherds from the fields, the wise men from the East, and the Holy Family all converge in Bethlehem, their singular journeys intertwining to create a narrative that goes beyond individual stories. This harmonious convergence, marked by a guiding star and a shared love for the newborn Babe, mirrors the spirit of synodality—a collective pilgrimage toward a shared destination.

How can we make this season different for ourselves and those around us?

The answer, for me, lies in constructing a sacred space within our hearts, our lives, and our relationships—a spiritual crib that encapsulates the essence of the Bethlehem Babe. In our pursuit of joy, we often embark on external searches, adopting what Pope Francis calls ‘a disposable spirituality.’ It is crucial to remind ourselves that the treasures we seek desperately outside are, in fact, within us.  Thus, the first step is to carve out a space within ourselves for the rebirth of the Bethlehem child.

Equally important is extending this creation of space to others. How can we achieve this?

By cultivating selflessness which opens the door for the authentic celebration of Christmas within our hearts. Creating and nurturing networks of love and support with others contribute to the collective warmth of the season. Responding to Pope Francis’s call, we must actively engage in the spirit of synodality and solidarity, understanding that our shared journey as a global community enhances the richness of our celebrations. During her sharing at the Synod, Sr. Nirmalini AC, the CRI President, emphasized the need for cultivating an environment of dialogue and solidarity among us as members of the Church. Listening with intent and empathy deepens our connections with others, fostering a sense of unity and shared experience.

In the December edition of Magnet, we present three cover stories, all centered around the theme of Synodal Solidarity. Friar Babu Jose explores Synodality as an Emblem of Hope Reborn, shedding light on its trans-formative potential. Ms Grace David, a participant in the first meeting of professional lay ministers in Rome, shares her firsthand experience of engaging in the various synodal processes, connecting people from diverse corners of the global church. In the third cover story, Fr Jayaseelan reflects on Synodality and global solidarity, presenting it as a pivotal moment for the Church to reimagine its identity as a people on pilgrimage.

Amidst the challenges of unrest and war that mark our human experience, the other articles within this edition provide insights into how dedicated individuals continue to live out the values of solidarity. This editorial invites readers to delve into the December issue of Magnet, inspiring a season of reflection, connection, and renewed commitment to the spirit of synodality and solidarity.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to the writers whose words breathe life into these pages. Your stories enrich our collective narrative, shaping a Christmas season that is not only joyous but inspirational. To our dedicated readers, we extend our warmest thanks. Your engagement and reflection are the heartbeat of Magnet, and it is our hope that this edition sparks conversations, contemplation, and a renewed commitment to the values of synodality and solidarity.  A heartfelt acknowledgment goes out to the many and new earnest writers who consistently contribute their articles for publication in Magnet. We are diligently working to accommodate your valuable contributions, considering the constraints of available space. A sincere thank you also extends to all who grace our letters to the editor column with their heartfelt expressions. Your engagement and thoughtful letters contribute immeasurably to the vibrant exchange of ideas within the Magnet community. We appreciate your continued support and look forward to fostering a space where your voices continue to enrich our publication.

Lastly, a special appreciation goes out to our editorial team and the team here at CRI, Delhi whose tireless efforts have shaped this edition. Your dedication to excellence has illuminated the path for a Christmas season that is not just observed but lived. May this season be a tapestry of shared stories, a testament to the enduring spirit of synodality and solidarity. From our hearts to yours, Merry Christmas, and thank you for being a part of the Magnet family.

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Pushpa Joseph

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“It’s impossible! It’s useless! It’s a Herculean task!” These were the repeated sentiments expressed by teachers, parents, and Abhinav’s classmates. The consensus was that Abhinav couldn’t change, improve, or behave differently—he was deemed a hard nut to crack. On a particular Monday, the class teachers collected Rs. ten thousand for assisting cancer patients. I placed the money on my office table with the intention of passing it on to the office staff. However, upon returning at noon, the money had mysteriously vanished. Reluctant to accuse anyone at the school, I felt a sense of shame and requested my superior to adjust and provide the missing amount. To my surprise, the following morning brought a revelation about Abhinav’s character from the students of Class IX-B. They were bubbling with excitement to share the news of Abhinav’s generous gesture. He had treated his classmates to ice cream, noodles, hot dogs, and patties without any apparent reason, showcasing a newfound quality that contradicted the earlier skepticism.

As the students excitedly recounted Abhinav’s unusual behavior, my thoughts turned to the missing amount from my office table. During the break, I decided to have a heart-to-heart talk with Abhinav. I commended him for the surprise treat he had given his friends, without any apparent reason for celebration like a birthday, good result, or a special family event. In a candid manner, Abhinav responded without hesitation, “I love my friends, but I never get the chance to enjoy with them. Even on my birthday, I have to settle for sweets like éclairs. Yesterday, I came looking for you, but you were away for supervision, and I saw the money on your table… without a second thought, I took it and used it.”

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Sr Mariella CTC

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The URU Region of the CRI encompasses Uttar Pradesh, Rajasthan and Uttrakhand. The region is home to approximately 66 religious Brothers, 280 Religious Priests, and around 2,628 Women Religious.

The CRI in the URU Region has actively engaged in diverse outreach initiatives to address the needs of deserving individuals, particularly in the challenging periods of the post Covid pandemic. Motivated by the profound insights of feminist theologian Joan Chittister, who asserted that “Religious life is not about a numbers game,” the members were inspired to recognize that spiritual leadership transcends mere numerical considerations. Empowered by the vision of Jesus we embarked on a collective journey to uncover our own potential as women and men called to lead in the spirit of Jesus. Each member is seen as a leader, and the focus shifted towards contemplating actions that can be taken at both regional and local levels to cultivate leadership that is life-giving and enriching. The reflection centered on the question of how we can collectively contribute to fostering trans-formative leadership within the church and society in the contemporary context.

As a group, we engaged in introspective dialogue, posing inquiries such as “Where do we stand at present?” and “How do we perceive our Mission today?” Drawing inspiration from Vita Consecrata, we identified faithfulness to the charism as a significant challenge—one that should manifest vibrantly in each member. Recognizing ourselves as an integral part of the Church of the Lord, we devised an action plan to actualize this commitment. In the year 2023, we made strategic decisions:

• Contextualized Approach by reading the signs of the times and adapting our actions accordingly.
• Recognizing the importance of collaboration, we committed to establishing connections with non-governmental organizations, as well as both secular and religious entities.
• Acknowledging the need for revitalization, we set forth plans to breathe new life into CRI, fostering renewed energy and commitment.

Initiatives of the URU region in 2023:

In alignment with these strategic decisions for 2023, the religious of URU Region have been actively involved in a range of impactful activities, reflecting our commitment to faithfulness and service. The following initiatives demonstrate the dedication of the members to fostering positive change:

Global Solidarity and Environmental Stewardship Initiatives: At the heart of our efforts as missionaries lies a fervent commitment to fostering global solidarity and environmental stewardship. To manifest this dedication, the members participated in  peace rallies during pivotal events, such as the Russia Ukraine war and instances of violence against minority groups, including Christians. These rallies served as powerful expressions of our unwavering support for peace, unity, and human rights on a global scale. Simultaneously, the CRI members of URU region organized environmental conservation programmes through tangible actions aimed at preserving and safeguarding our planet. Through initiatives like tree plantations and cleanliness drives, we actively contributed to the ongoing struggle against environmental degradation. These endeavors underscore our belief in the urgent need for collective responsibility in the face of environmental challenges, and serve as a testament to the commitment of Religious men and women to have a positive impact on the world.

Comprehensive Social Uplift Programmes: To enhance the well-being of communities in need,  the religious sisters and brothers of URU region organized meaningful initiatives to make a relevant impact on the lives of individuals facing socioeconomic challenges:

Education Empowerment for the Underprivileged:  Recognizing the trans-formative power of education and as part of our commitment to social upliftment, we initiated various projects to provide educational opportunities for economically disadvantaged children. The programs implemented by the members over the past year (2023) include:

• Support for higher education and skill development training for students.
• Implementation of relaxation and concessions in school fees.
• Provision of free tuitions for economically challenged children and school dropouts.
• Conducting non-formal education, health, and hygiene classes specifically for scavengers.
• Organizing motivational classes to inspire students to contribute both in cash and kind to assist the less fortunate.
• Distribution of mobile phones to students to facilitate online classes and remote learning.

Healthcare Access for the poor:

Prioritizing the health and well-being of the poor, the members organized medical outreach programs. These include organizing free medical camps and providing essential treatment services to those in need and special care to the bed ridden and helpless persons in the parish.  Additionally, financial aid and medical equipment were provided to our hospitals to improve healthcare services for the poor.

Initiatives for Holistic Development:

Beyond education and healthcare, the commitment to uplifting communities involved various initiatives:

• Providing a monthly ration to eight deserving families.
• Offering regular financial assistance to five elderly individuals to meet their expenses.
• Assisting migrants in reaching their native homes.
• Implementing programs tailored for domestic helpers.
• Engaging in systematic Prison Ministry efforts.
• Conducting counseling sessions whenever needed and possible.
• Providing houses to deserving families.

Through these diverse efforts, we aim to bring about positive and lasting change, empowering individuals and communities to build a brighter and more equitable future.

Community Support Program: The members have undertaken initiatives ranging from immediate disaster relief to initiatives that foster long-term growth.

Flood Relief Operations:  During times of natural disasters, particularly floods affecting our surrounding districts, the religious brothers and sisters activated flood relief programmes to provide timely assistance and support to those adversely affected. This initiative reflects the dedication of the members to stand by the people during their times of greatest need.

Food Distribution: Understanding the critical importance of addressing hunger the members have actively engaged in food distribution initiatives. The goal is to ensure that no one goes without the basic necessity like food.

Strengthening Bonds through Family Visits: Family visits play a crucial role in the church’s mission by fostering a deeper connection with individuals within their familial context. Recognizing the importance of fostering strong community bonds, we have intensified our efforts to connect with our people through regular family visits. These initiatives provided us with an opportunity to understand and address the unique needs, challenges, and spiritual well-being of families and provide faith formation.

Cloth Banks in Schools for Inclusivity: To address the clothing needs of poor students we established cloth banks. These banks serve as a sustainable solution to clothing requirements. By ensuring that every child has access to essential clothing, we contribute to a sense of dignity and equality.

Religious Observances for Spiritual Unity: Emphasizing the importance of spiritual growth and unity, the CRI members actively engage in holy hours and adoration across all religious houses. These observances serve as a collective spiritual practice, fostering a sense of togetherness among the CRI members.

Inclusive Celebrations and Outreach: In our commitment to inclusivity, festive occasions such as Christmas and Deepawali were celebrated with marginalized communities, including prisoners. We extended our outreach by visiting families of different faiths during their festivals and distributing warm clothes to those in need, embodying the spirit of compassion and shared joy.

Counseling Services for Mental Well-being: Acknowledging the significance of mental health, we provided counseling services where required and feasible. This initiative reflects our dedication to the overall well-being of our people especially students and children, recognizing the importance of mental health especially in our troubled times.

Religious Seminars Addressing Contemporary Issues: Organizing seminars for religious members, we addressed relevant topics pertaining to our lives and the present socio-religious landscape.  Some of the topics dealt with are:

• Seminars on Constitution of India,
• Minority Rights,
• New Education Policy 2020.
• Present socio-political scenario of our country.

Creating a space for learning and dialogue, these seminars bring growth and a visionary focus among us as a religious family.

These initiatives reflect our collective commitment to living out our charism and mission in the spirit of service and community building. We remain dedicated to making a positive impact in the lives of those we serve, embodying the values of faithfulness, compassion, and solidarity.  In conclusion, our heartfelt gratitude extends to the CRI national team, with special appreciation for Sr. Nirmalini AC, the President, and Sr. Elsa Muttathu PBVM, the National Secretary. Their unwavering support has been instrumental in our journey. Lastly, we acknowledge and thank God for the ongoing wonders He graciously performs through each and every one of us.

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Pope Francis at the opening address of the Synod in October 2021 said that ‘we must not forget God’s style, which is closeness, compassion and tender love.’ It was a time when the fear of death and dying masked in the form of Covid19 pandemic played havoc with life and hope.  The pope then emphasized that he envisaged ‘a church that does not stand aloof from life, but immerses itself in today’s problems and needs, bandaging wounds and healing broken hearts with the balm of God.’ When wearing masks and maintaining distance and quarantine were becoming the new normal and covid was becoming synonymous with hopeless end, Synodality was ushered in to pave the way for an endless hope.

“Dear brothers and sisters” said Pope Francis during the Homily at the opening of the Synod, “Let us have a good journey together, may we be pilgrims in love with the Gospel and open to the surprises of the Holy Spirit. Let us not miss out the grace filled opportunities born of encounter, listening and discernment.” This was something the world was waiting to hear, a call to break free from the clutches and confinements of the culture of death and dying of our time and to journey forward on the road to life and living, warming one another’s heart to move together spreading the good news. So that with synodality being our way of life for the future  all our tower of Babel confusions and divisions may give way to the one heart and mind with a spirit of unity and understanding of the Pentecost.

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Fr. Babu Jose Pamplany OFM

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On the occasion of the World Synod of Bishops, I had the privilege of attending the 1st World Meeting of Professional Lay Ministers on the theme of ‘Beyond clericalism, for the people’s sake on the empowerment of non-ordinary ministers’. This meeting was organized from the 1st of October to the 5th of October 2023 in Rome by the Association of Professional Pastoral Ministers in Germany, which at this moment might be the largest organization of full-time lay theologians in the world.

The meeting aimed at bringing together theologically educated laity and pastoral lay ministers from all continents to reflect on their status, role, and mission in a synodal church. The meeting also aimed at empowering lay ministers (non-ordained but theologically educated professional pastoral ministers) working in various countries all over the world given the fact that though their work is a long-given reality in the Roman Catholic Church, it still seems to be overshadowed many times by subversive ecclesial perspectives.  Also though this ministry reveals an ecclesiological alternative to the “classical” dualism between clergy and laity, it is neither well-known nor largely accepted.

THE PEOPLE & THE PROCESS

The meeting was attended by 22 professional lay ministers and theologians from 12 countries – Bolivia, Austria, Switzerland, Peru, Philippines, Ghana, India, USA, Germany, Korea, and Slovenia. In our five days together we prayed, discussed, shared amazing meals, and also had the chance to visit some important historical sites of Rome. We got to know each other, shared our experiences, and listened to each other as we engaged in the various processes designed to help us connect and reflect. Some members of our group attended the opening Mass of the Synod on the 4th of October to show our solidarity with the Synod process. In addition to our exchange and as a fitting conclusion to our process, there was also a meeting with the participants of the Synod at an official evening get-together. The outcomes of the reflections of the meeting (which had been synthesized and compiled in a paper) were then shared with the Synod delegates. Through our interactions with the delegates and the paper, we hope that their voices would influence the processes of the World Synod of Bishops so that lay ministries could become a sign of hope for the emerging Church.

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Ms Grace David

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Ubuntu is a profound Nguni Bantu term that encapsulates a fundamental essence of African culture, translated as “I am because we are.” This concept emphasizes the interdependence of all people, highlighting that our individual well-being is intertwined with the well-being of others. In a philosophical sense, Ubuntu signifies a universal bond of sharing that connects all humanity and eloquently underscores the intrinsic values of community, compassion, and mutual respect. In a world increasingly marked by individualism, violence, hate, and extreme secularism within the Church, Ubuntu becomes relevant, serving as a beacon, inspiring a longing for global solidarity, moving from aloneness to ‘we’ness. Pope Francis, a vocal advocate for synodality, revitalizes a ‘we’ Church that stimulates a ‘journeying together’; promotes one human community celebrating diversity; and suggests a Pilgrim Church that is always in movement, embracing global Catholic solidarity.

A ‘We’ Church: Navigating Beyond Comfort Zones

With each stroke of his pen in the ecclesiastical writings, Pope Francis, challenges Catholics to move beyond comfort zones. In a special way, Evangelii Gaudium urges outreach to the peripheries, Laaudato si’ emphasizes the urgent need for care for the Earth, Fratelli Tutti highlights the importance of universal fraternity, and synodality awakens and strengthens the ecclesial ‘we’, practicing communion at the service of the ‘common home’.

In his quest for a synodal Church, Pope Francis not only preaches, but also practices this ‘we’ philosophy, creating a harmonious resonance that reverberates throughout the ecclesiastical landscape. Once during his visit to the regional seminary in Bologna, Italy, Pope Francis posed a thought-provoking question to the seminarians: “What is the opposite of ‘I’?” Anticipating a simple ‘you’ in response, the seminarians were surprised when the Pope gently shook his head. He patiently explained, “No, the word ‘I’ denotes an individual, as does ‘you’. It’s illogical for singular words to be opposites. The true opposite of ‘I’ is ‘we’, representing the rich fabric of communitarian plurality.” The event loudly speaks of an inclusive, multicultural, and interconnected ‘we’ Church. This metaphorical shift from fragmented singular to communitarian plural represents the fertile diversity and collective existence that defines a synodal Church.

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Fr Jayaseelan Savariarpitchai SDB

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As we all know, we are in an era of ever-increasing finance related statutory compliance. As days go by, the volume of compliance keeps increasing so much that quite many of us are at a loss. As a help for those who may need, here I have tried to list them, some old provisions but many new changes, so that we are familiar with the list and learn to comply.

Income Tax-related Compliance

1. As per section 12AB, once every 5 years charitable and religious trusts registered u/s 12A have to get their 12A, henceforth 12AB, renewed.
2. Trusts registered under 12A (12AB) get tax exemption on all their income, if 85% of the annual income is spent [except corpus donation (section 11(1)(d)] in India on their objectives spelt out in their Memorandum of Association [section 11(1)].
3. As per section 139(4A), if income of the trust is beyond the basic exempt income, which is Rs 2.5 lakhs for now, the accounts have to be audited and Income Tax Return has to be filed.
4. As per section 139(1), IT exemption is denied ipso facto if form 10 is not filed before the due date u/s 139(1).
5. No modification of the objects of the trust without permission from Commissioner of Income Tax.
6. Corpus donation made to another trust cannot be claimed as an application (cannot be part of the 85% application). However, a trust can make a corpus donation to another trust from its 15% savings of the current year’s income.

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Fr Alex G SJ

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About two years before his ordination, this seminarian who belonged to the Holy Cross Congregation, was diagnosed with advanced tuberculosis. He had to be in the hospital for months. After a year the doctors told him he had only two options. He could have surgery, which was risky and did not guarantee a cure. What do you think was the other option? Prayer.

He had a wise mentor, Fr Cornelius Hagerty, of the Holy Cross Congregation. He urged the gravely sick seminarian to pray to our Blessed Mother. “What she asks for and insists on she always gets. She has never failed anyone who went to her with faith and perseverance.” The seminarian started praying the Rosary which had been a part of his life when he grew up.

After a week of ardent prayer, the seminarian surprised the doctors by declaring he had been cured. They examined him and were astounded to find he had indeed been cured. So his priestly formation continued and he was ordained, along with his older brother, on 15 June 1941. “That day I gave my heart and soul in love to Mary,” he said. He was Fr. Patrick Peyton, who came to be known around the world as ‘The Rosary priest’.

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FR M.A. Joe Antony SJ

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In 2025, the Catholic Church will observe a significant milestone, as it marks the Jubilee Year, a sacred period with the inspiring theme “Pilgrims of Hope” bestowed by Pope Francis. In the following article, Sister Celine contemplates the profound spiritual significance of this upcoming event and delves into the spiritual journey that the Church is summoned to embark upon.

Fruitful Memories of two Jubilees:

GREAT JUBILEE 2000 called by Pope John Paul II, held from December 1999 to January 6, 2001, as a celebration of the Mercy of God, prepared for it with a three-year intense preparation. It ushered the Church into the third millennium of her history. Putting aside all historical divisions the Church celebrated the two thousandth anniversary of the birth of Jesus Christ, as a special time of grace of God.

Extraordinary Jubilee of Mercy

We celebrated the extraordinary jubilee of Mercy from December 8, 2015 to November 20,2016.   In calling for this Jubilee year, Pope Francis encouraged us

• to grow ever more convinced of God’s Mercy,
• to discover the face of God’s Mercy,
• to show that face of mercy to the world through our words and actions,
• to put aside all fear and dread, and
• encounter that grace which transforms all things.

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Sr. Celine D’Cunha FMA

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