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As we approach the new financial year, it is common to feel overwhelmed by numerous tasks and lack clarity on what needs to be done. Here, I outline key areas for planning, noting that they may vary depending on specific cases:

1. Getting the accounts ready for the new financial year: As a first step, we need to get the accounts software ready for the new financial year by changing the accounting period or splitting the company or creating a new company and importing the required data, as the case may be. This is also the time to add new ledgers or to regroup the existing ledgers according to our specific needs, based on our experience during the year.
2. Identifying the various financial goals for the new financial year: Alongside preparing accounts, we must also define financial goals for the upcoming year, which may include projects, asset acquisition, or renovations. Ideally, these goals should be determined in the current year and reflected in the budget for the next year.

3. Budget: One of the first requirements for the new financial year is preparing a budget and getting it approved by the competent authority, the Governing Body for civil needs and the Provincial/Bishop for the canonical needs, before the start of the new financial year. It serves as a road-map for proper income utilization, incorporating factors like specific goals, receivables, payables, savings, investments, and asset needs. Salary costs, including raises and increase in the number of employees, must also be considered.

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Fr Alex G SJ

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As the gentle breeze of spring whispers promises of renewal, we unite once again to explore the depths of human experience in our April issue of Magnet. Our theme, “The Tomb is Open – Not Merely Empty,” invites us to journey beyond the surface and embrace the profound encounters that shape our existence. In the heart of Easter lies a truth so unfathomable that it transcends the boundaries of time and space – the Resurrection of Jesus Christ. Yet, this event is not merely a historical footnote or a theological doctrine; it is a living encounter, an invitation to embrace the fullness of life amidst the shadows of death. The empty tomb, far from being a void, is a portal to transformation, a symbol of hope that beckons us to venture into the unknown with open hearts and minds.

To experience the resurrection is to be open – open to the possibility of miracles unfolding in our midst, open to the whispers of grace amidst the cacophony of chaos. It is an attitude of receptivity, a willingness to let go of preconceived notions and embrace the mystery that lies beyond comprehension. In every encounter – whether with joy or sorrow, beauty or pain – lies the potential for resurrection. It is in the brokenness of our lives that the light of redemption shines most brightly. It is in the embrace of a friend, the laughter of a child, the beauty of a sunset that we catch glimpses of eternity.

Our cover stories traverse the diverse dimensions of encounter, each presenting a distinct viewpoint on the path towards resurrection. In the inaugural cover story, Sr. Shalini RGS delves into the essence of resurrection, portraying it as a dynamic engagement with all facets of creation, particularly with those relegated to the margins, thus catalyzing a trans-formative effect on our lives and revitalizing our spirits. Following suit, in the second cover story, Ms. Janina Gomes narrates the experiences of individuals who, amidst suffering and adversity, have unearthed the profound power of encounter, utilizing pain as a conduit for healing and personal evolution. Delving into the third cover story, Fr. Ricopar Royan explores the profound sense of wonder that accompanies each encounter with nature. Amidst the frenetic pace of contemporary existence, we rediscover our connection with the natural world, finding solace and inspiration in its boundless beauty and mystery. Lastly, in the fourth cover story, titled “Everyday Encounters,” Fr. Babu Jose uncovers the extraordinary moments that lie within the mundane routines of daily life, underscoring the notion that resurrection transcends grand gestures, manifesting instead in the simple yet sublime instances of everyday existence. As we journey through these narratives, may we embrace the requisite openness of heart and mind necessary for resurrection to manifest in our lives. May we foster a spirit of receptivity, allowing grace to flow unimpeded and miracles to unfold before our very eyes. In the voices of our column writers, we hear echoes of the resurrection story – stories of compassion, service, and love that illuminate the darkness and bring hope to the hopeless. Through their marvellous writings, we are reminded that the work of committed religious with the ordinary, the poor, and the marginalized is not merely charity but a sacred encounter that makes resurrection possible in the lives of people.

Easter serves as a poignant reminder of the abundance of miracles that each communion in life presents. We extend our heartfelt gratitude to all our readers, particularly those who graciously share affirmative letters with the editor, offering invaluable encouragement. A special acknowledgment is owed to our exceptional writers, whose remarkable pieces consistently captivate our readers, delivered with commendable punctuality. We express deep appreciation to the editorial board for their meticulous efforts and to the dedicated team at CRI, Delhi whose unwavering commitment ensures that every issue of Magnet meets its publication deadline. Without the contributions of these dedicated individuals, this endeavour would not be possible.

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It brings me great joy to introduce a new column on Legal issues, a much-needed addition to our publication. We are honoured to have Sr. Mary Scaria SCJM, a distinguished advocate with the Supreme Court of India, as the esteemed writer for this column. Sr. Mary is renowned for her classes on legal matters, particularly concerning minorities, and we are grateful for her expertise. Thank you, Sr. Mary, for joining us. We warmly welcome you to the Magnet community and are confident that our readers will greatly benefit from your insightful contributions.

May we approach each encounter with reverence and wonder, knowing that in the embrace of the unknown lies the promise of resurrection.

Wishing each of you the intense Peace and Joys of Easter.

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Pushpa Joseph

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My grandpa was the dearest person to me in my early years, as a child. I recall a moment when a coconut leaf accidentally fell on me, causing a tear on my cheek. My cries brought my grandpa and mother rushing to my side. I sought comfort in my grandpa’s arms, where his caring embrace soothed me profoundly. He gently laid me on his bed, comforting me with tender gestures until I drifted off to sleep, forgetting the pain entirely. On my first day of school, he accompanied me with a colourful umbrella and a new bag, symbolizing his unwavering support. Countless instances like these showcase his boundless love. As a gesture of appreciation, I decided to celebrate Grandparents’ Day at our school, when I was the Headmistress.

All the sisters in our community and the staff were informed, and everyone agreed. I crafted a beautiful invitation card and sent it with the class teachers to distribute to the students. By noon, all the students lined up outside my office with a request – they wanted to invite not only their ‘Dadaji and Dadima’ (paternal grandparents) but also their much-loved ‘Nanaji and Nanima’ (maternal grandparents) who lived in the villages. This doubled the number of expected guests. Despite the unexpected increase to 1400 guests from the initial plan of 700, I decided to proceed with the idea. When a bright idea strikes, its potential to manifest has a profound impact. Despite my dilemma, my desire to honour our grandparents drove me to push forward and plan the best celebration possible for them.

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Sr Mariella CTC

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FROM KNOWLEDGE TO ACTION

A Training of Trainers (TOT) organized by the North Region was held at CRI House, Okhla, Delhi from 2nd March 4:00 PM to 3rd March 2024, concluding at 3:30 PM. The trainers represented religious men and women from the four dioceses of the North Region: Jammu-Srinagar (2), Jalandhar (5), Shimla-Chandigarh (5), and Delhi (5). The topics covered during the TOT were:

• Gender Policy of CBCI (8th December, 2009)
• Highlights of the study “It’s High Time” (2019)
• Motu Proprio of Pope Francis, 7th May 2019 (You Are the Light of the World)
• Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH), 2013 and ICC (Internal Complaints Committee)
• Prevention of Child Sexual Offenses (POCSO), 2012
• Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC), 2022

The above topics were thoroughly explained by the resource team, which consisted of Dr. Mrs. Amita Joseph, Adv. Sr. Mary Scaria SCJM, Dr. Sr. Anitha Chettiar DHM, and Sr. Mary Colaco DHM.

Session One – Sr Anitha Chettiar

The training commenced with a prayer led by Sr. Mary Colaco DHM. Following the prayer, Dr. Sr. Anitha Chettiar DHM presented the Gender Policy of CBCI, during which she acknowledged the contributions of the then Chairman of the Commission for Women, CBCI, Bishop John Thakur SJ, and its members, including Sr. Lilly Francis SMMI. She praised their dedication and successful publication of the long-awaited policy under the auspices of the CBCI.

Due to time constraints, Dr. Sr. Anitha Chettiar DHM utilized a PowerPoint presentation to emphasize the objectives of the policy, focusing on two key areas: “Women & Education” and “Women in Difficult Circumstances.” She provided apt examples to illustrate the detailed strategies outlined in the policy. However, she expressed disappointment and concern over the clergy’s lack of awareness regarding the policy and its inadequate implementation in various areas. The responsibility to internalize and implement the policy rests with everyone: men and women, commissions and communities, as well as institutions and organizations.

Presenting the highlights of the study, “It’s High Time” commissioned by the Women’s Wing of the National CRI (2019), Sr. Anitha highlighted various types of abuse and harassment experienced by women religious in India, including:

• Low wages for work in ecclesiastical institutions
• Matters concerning property
• Harassment of sisters in their pastoral and apostolic engagements
• Refusal to administer sacraments or celebrate Mass as a manifestation of negative reactions to the sisters
• Ignoring the personal or professional competence of sisters in the service of the mission
• Verbal abuse
• Sisters being humiliated by negative criticism from the pulpit

Participants present were invited to share their personal experiences of abuse and harassment. Sr. Anitha commended the courageous response shown by the sisters and also explained how to cope with and challenge abusers, sharing her own testimonies.

In the next segment of her presentation, Anitha unveiled a significant papal document personally signed by Pope Francis on May 7th, 2019, bearing the title Vos Estis Lux Mundi, meaning “You are the Light of the World.” This directive, a Motu Proprio, indicating the Pope’s special interest in the subject, represents a departure from the formality of decrees and is devoid of the traditional papal seal. Drawing insights from this document, she succinctly underscored Pope Francis’s serious concern regarding sexual abuse within the Church. Mandating action, the document stipulated that Dioceses and Eparchies, either individually or collectively, must institute within a year, stable and easily accessible systems for submission of reports, through the institution of a specific ecclesiastical office. Participants, when probed about the existence of such systems within their respective dioceses, unanimously expressed a lack thereof. In light of this revelation, Sr. Anitha encouraged the participants to approach their bishops to set up these systems as soon as possible.

Session Two – Dr Amita

The second session was conducted by Dr. Mrs. Amita V Joseph on “Prevention of Sexual Harassment (POSH) and ICC (Internal Complaints Committee)” and on “Prevention of Child Sexual Offense (POCSO).” Sexual harassment refers to any unwelcome act or behaviour that is sexual in nature. It is a subjective experience, and what matters is the impact caused on the offended individual, not the intent of the offender. While POSH is based on the Sexual Harassment of Women at Workplace (Prevention, Prohibition, and Redressal) Act 2013, POCSO refers to the Protection of Children from Sexual Offenses Act, 2012.

Quoting a survey by the Trades Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Amita explained the prevalence of Sexual Harassment at the Workplace with these figures: 52% of women experience Sexual Harassment, 25% are touched without invitation, and 20% encounter sexual advances. Citing relevant examples, she elucidated how sexual harassment often occurs within a matrix of power dynamics. She clarified that consent operates between equals and not between someone in a position of power and the one who is subject to the person in power. Furthermore, she explained the necessity of an Internal Complaints Committee (ICC), which is mandatory under the law. Dr. Amita outlined what the ICC entails, its processes, constitution, and the procedure for filing a complaint.

Elaborating on the provisions of POCSO, Dr. Amita explained what constitutes POCSO, the offenses covered under the Act, punishments prescribed by the Act, the distinction between abetment and attempt, procedures for reporting cases, recording statements of the child, medical examination procedures, provisions for compensation and legal aid, and last but not least, monitoring and creating awareness among all.

Session Three – Adv Sr Mary Scaria

On the second day, Adv. Sr. Mary Scaria introduced the initiative of CRI’s Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC) by illustrating with a flower before and after being crushed. She described GRC as a platform for being heard, acknowledged, facilitating dialogue, providing redress, and accompanying religious towards healing. Adv. Mary Scaria elaborated on the concept of GRC, its purpose, context, process, procedures, grievance resolution, guiding principles, and scope. Participants’ questions, based on real cases, were addressed with relevant explanations and examples. She patiently responded to all queries regarding who can approach the GRC and expected outcomes.

In the subsequent session, she outlined the legal provisions and recent enactments, highlighting replacements: Bharatiya Nyaya Sanhita will replace the Indian Penal Code-1860, Bharatiya Nagarik Suraksha Sanhita will replace the CrPC of 1973, and Bharatiya Sakshya Bill will replace the Indian Evidence Act of 1872. She urged participants to abide by the law, emphasizing the importance of documentation and timely maintenance of office requirements for various Societies and Trusts. Using examples, she stressed the need to boldly commit to social justice, secularism, and democracy, even being prepared to be martyrs for these values if necessary.

Sr. Mary Colaco facilitated a group discussion to outline the way forward post-TOT. Participants convened according to their local CRI units and meticulously devised plans to disseminate the GRC and other learnings to every religious within their respective CRI local units in the coming months.

All the units decided to call for their respective executive committee meetings in March itself and plan for their unit before transfers take place. All four units planned to have at least two trainings for all the religious in two different venues: one in the city and another in the outskirts, as the religious are spread far and wide. Each unit planned to explore and identify local resources to train on the topics, along with those who had undergone the training themselves in Delhi. During the feedback session, most participants expressed satisfaction with the awareness gained. They also expressed eagerness to fulfill their responsibility in sharing all the knowledge acquired during the TOT with every religious in their diocese, which includes the Latin, Syro-Malabar, and Syro-Malankara rites. The TOT concluded with gratitude extended to the resource team, the CRI house team, and to God Almighty.

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Dr (Sr) Anitha Chettiar, DHM

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I Felt Only Love

Pope Francis gave him a long loving embrace! During his general audience at St. Peter’s Square on 6 November, 2013 Pope Francis embraced Riva Vincenzo! Riva was a special person with a disfigured face due to a rare disease, causing neuronal tumors. During his life Riva endured rejection and isolation because of his appearance. That embrace of the Pope transformed him to regain his dignity and communion with humanity. ‘I felt only Love’ were words of Riva, in an interview. The transforming encounter with Pope Francis was an experience of Resurrection for him. On 10 January, 2024 at the age of 58, Riva died a healed, liberated and grateful person. The encounter with Pope Francis was life changing for Riva; so also it was for the viewers of the photograph of this compassionate gesture. By embracing Riva, Pope touched the world. Many were inspired to shed their prejudices! How many of our brothers and sisters experience rejection, exploitation and helplessness; they grope in the ‘shadow of death’! They wait for someone, for a long loving embrace so that they may reclaim their dignity and enter into New Life.

Encountering Kamati

Some 28 years ago, accompanied by my Community Sister and a native, I was exploring the reserved forests of Wayanad, Kerala. Though a lover of elephants, I was afraid there would be one hiding somewhere and might attack us. Instead of the elephant, I was surprised to find two little huts, just 20 feet ahead of us, close to the electric fence fixed to prevent attack of elephants. We wondered if anyone lived there. Hearing us an indigenous Pania woman, feeble, anemic, small in stature and clad in minimum clothes came out. Her name was Kamati.  Through her, we learned that she had given birth to her baby just five days earlier.  Her husband had gone out looking for work. She was there alone with her newborn baby in the forest with the threat of wild animals. Kamati told us that she had rice and chilly ‘chutney’ for breakfast. She was suffering from fever. Instinctively, I touched her forehead to check her temperature; and I felt the heat. I thought to myself, if only I had a paracetamol tablet! I was struck down by helplessness. I called her to come and both of us sat on the stones there. She said that she couldn’t go with us to the town to get medicine. I was shocked to hear that she had never gone to the town or gotten into a bus.

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Sr Dr Shalini Podimattam RGS

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Pain and suffering are inevitable in our lives and are integral to our humanity. Tal Ben-Shahar, an American and Israeli author and Professor at Harvard University, states in an excerpt from his book, ‘Being Happy: You Don’t Have to Be Perfect to Lead a Happier, Richer Life,’ posted on his organization’s website Whole Being Institute.com, that pain and suffering are important for humanity. He says, “While it is part of our universal nature to seek pleasure and avoid pain, culture plays a central role in how we deal with suffering. We in the West generally reject suffering. We see it as an unwelcome interruption of our pursuit of happiness. So, we fight it, repress it, medicate it or search for quick fix solutions to get rid of it. In some cultures, especially in the East, suffering is acknowledged for the important role it plays in people’s lives in the meandering path towards enlightenment.”

What is the theology of pain and suffering in the Christian perspective? We as Christians believe that human pain and suffering are transformed from something negative into something positive that becomes a source of life because it is redemptive. Each person in his or her suffering is united with the suffering of Christ and thus this suffering mysteriously becomes a source of life and resurrection. St. Paul in his Letter to the Romans Chapter 5: 3-5 says: “Not only that, we also boast even in trials, knowing that trials produce patience, from patience comes merit, merit is the source of hope and hope does not disappoint us because the Holy Spirit has been given to us, pouring into our hearts the love of God”.

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Janina Gomes

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Bird watching is fascinating. This is something that has been happening in my sister’s house in Chennai. Every day a crow perches itself on her kitchen window. Not for his day’s share of cooked food or bird’s feed, but for his delicacy mixture (a common spicy snack). When others try to offer the bird’s feed, it doesn’t interest him. He demands only mixture. So, the mixture finds its rightful place in the weekly grocery list. “If you want to form a bond with a crow, be consistent in rewarding them,” says John Marzluff, a professor of Wildlife Science. It is not about buying their attention or love but about establishing a relationship with what we can offer.

To our surprise, this intelligent being reciprocates with gifts too. Gabi Mann is from Seattle, USA. As a small girl, she used to drop snacks while eating outside her home, and immediately the crows would alight and eat them. As she grew older, she started to reward their attention by sharing her lunch on the way to school. Gabi’s hospitality went from being accidental to purposeful because the family got together and started placing food and water in their backyard. Gabi is luckier because she gets gifts from her feathered allies in return. The gifts include shiny ornaments, rusty screws, a black button, a blue paper clip, a yellow bead and the like. For Gabi these things are more valuable than gold.

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Fr Ricopar Royan SDB

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We can use a knife to cut something or it can cut us, depending on how we hold the knife, by the handle or by the blade.  Similarly, we can be touched and transformed by what we encounter depending on our open disposition or the lack of it, it is a question of perspective.

A Resurrection Moment

In 1989, during my regency with the Missionaries of Charity in the “City of Joy,” Calcutta, I often had to commute via the overcrowded local trains. Once, while hanging onto a running train for dear life, I found myself leaning outward in search of some breathing space—shoulders away from the rest, balancing on my toes at the very edge, and clinging on with one hand. During this precarious journey, amidst the chaos of passengers hanging out from the bogies behind me, there was a sudden eruption of screams and yells. Being new to the city, I couldn’t comprehend a word of Bengali and wondered what it was all about. Then, a fellow passenger beside me put his free arm around my neck and pulled me close to himself. In that split second, I noticed from the corner of my eye just how dangerously close an electric post was to my head. The speeding train passed by, and with it, the screaming and yelling ceased, replaced by a palpable silence—a collective sigh of relief from those behind me who had glimpsed the impending disaster.  When the train stopped at the next station, all of us who had been leaning out of the door disembarked. My eyes and ears scanned the crowd, searching for the face of the person who had saved me and the faces and voices of those behind me, so that I could shake their hands and express my gratitude with a smile. It would have been instant death if he had not pulled me close to him—it was a moment of resurrection and new life. Though 35 years have passed, I still get goosebumps as I write this. I cherish that ‘thank you’ and that smile in my heart for all those gentle souls because of whom I am still alive.

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Fr. Babu Jose Pamplany OFM

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The second volume of the Council Notebook delves into the theme of ‘Revelations as the Word of God,’ particularly focusing on Dei Verbum 1-6. Continuing the tradition established by the Council of Trent and the First Vatican Council, the Second Vatican Council emphasized the Doctrine of Divine Revelation. The aim is to ensure that the message of new life is heard by the entire world, leading to belief, hope, and love. This volume consists of four concise chapters: The Word of God; Written Word; The Response to the Word of God; The Word of God in Action.

God’s Ongoing Communication

Reflecting on Dei Verbum is akin to revisiting the entirety of the Second Vatican Council’s history. It’s the final constitution approved by Vatican II, serving as the cornerstone for interpreting all its teachings. Through this document, we can reconnect with Sacred Scripture in a lively and dynamic way, understanding the event of Christian revelation. Dei Verbum delves into the profound ways of how God reveals Him/Herself and communicates with humanity. Biblical history unfolds as a series of revelations, culminating in Jesus Christ revealing the true nature of God as a loving Father and Mother. Emphasizing that “God has spoken,” Dei Verbum underscores that this divine action isn’t confined to the past but continues to impact the present. God’s ongoing communication with His Church unveils hidden truths and deepens our understanding of revealed truth.

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Sr Shalini Xavier CTC

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This is how Sr. Norma Pimental, MJ, began a TED talk: “In 2014, I visited a detention facility where hundreds of little children, immigrant children, were detained for several weeks in conditions that were very heartbreaking. They were dirty and muddy and crying. Their faces were full of tears. I had the opportunity to go in and be with them. And they were all around me. They were little ones, some of them not older than five years old. And they were saying to me, ‘Get me out of here. Please, help me.’ It was so difficult to be there with them. I started to cry with them, and I told them, ‘Let us pray.’ And they repeated after me, ‘God, please, help us.’  As we prayed, I could see the Border Patrol officers looking through a glass window. They were on the verge of tears, as they heard the children praying. A little boy came closer and told me, ‘Please, help me. I want to be with my mother.  She was here, I was separated from her.’  When I walked out of the cell, an officer got close to me and said to me, ‘Sister, thank you. You have helped us realize that they too are human beings.’”

Sr Norma Pimentel, who belongs to the Missionaries of Jesus Congregation, has been for many years the Executive Director of Catholic Charities, the charitable arm of the Diocese of Brownsville in Texas, U.S.  In 2014 thousands of families tried desperately to leave their countries in Central America and seek asylum in the U.S.  Responding to this crisis, she set up Humanitarian Respite Centers, where hundreds of American volunteers took care of these poor and hungry asylum seekers. These efforts brought Sr Pimentel worldwide recognition. In March 2015, Pimentel spoke at the U.N. Headquarters in New York City. During the Papal visit to the U.S. that year, Sr Pimentel met Pope Francis in New York City and presented him with one of her original paintings of an immigrant mother and child. Before coming to work for Catholic Charities of the Rio Grande Valley, Pimentel was one of the leaders who directed Casa Oscar Romero, a refugee shelter that served Central Americans fleeing their war-torn countries in the 1980s. The shelter provided emergency relief and temporary housing for hundreds of thousands of refugees. It is there that she developed a passion for helping refugees and asylum seekers.

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Fr M.A. Joe Antony SJ

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