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Movie Review

Movie : Wizard of Heaven | Little Boy

Movie : Wizard of Heaven | Little Boy

Wizard of Heaven – Life of St. John Vianney (1949) runtime 100minutes

Director- Marcel Blistène

Cast: Georges Rollin, Marie Daëms, Dora Doll, Alfred Adam, Claire Gérard, Alexandre Rignault Jandeline, Léon Belières

“Wizard of Heaven,” is a French film, directed by Marcel Blistène, now available with English subtitles. The movie beautifully portrays the life of St. John Marie Baptist Vianney, also known as the Curé de Ars, a revered modern saint and patron of parish priests. Despite his limited intellectual abilities, Vianney’s journey to priesthood is made possible through the intervention of an influential friend with the diocesan authorities. Struggling through seminary studies, Vianney is ordained during a tumultuous period in France marked by the aftermath of the Revolution, Reign of Terror, and Napoleonic wars. Assigned to the quiet and disregarded parish of Ars, where both church and clergy face hostility, Vianney’s deep spirituality, compassionate preaching, and love for the downtrodden endear him to the people, making him a legend. Haunted by the Devil’s visits and temptations, Vianney’s unwavering dedication prevails. He earns a reputation as a healer after miraculously aiding a crippled boy and dispelling accusations of murder from a deceitful local doctor. As a confessor, he guides penitents, offering spiritual guidance and urging them to confess forgotten sins. Vianney fearlessly condemns spiritual ignorance and worldliness, even as the Devil challenges his miracles. Despite being threatened and even having his presbytery set on fire, his resolve remain unshaken. His attempt to embrace monastic life is interrupted by the fervent pleas of the community, bringing him back to Ars. Acknowledged for his contributions, Vianney receives the Legion of Honour from the French monarch, leading to the resignation of the anti-clerical mayor. The film captures the essence of a humble priest who overcame odds, leaving an enduring legacy that continues to inspire.

Little Boy (2015) Run time 106 minutes

Director: Alejandro Monteverde

Cast:    Jakob Salvati Emily Watson, David Henrie,  Michael Rapaport,  Cary-Hiroyuki Tagawa, Tom Wilkinson, Ben Chaplin , Ted Levine

“Little Boy” (2015), is a poignant film set during World War II that touches on themes of war, racism, friendship, faith, and coming of age. Pepper, an eight-year-old boy in the peaceful village of O’Hare on the California coast, faces bullying with the nickname ‘little boy’ due to his small stature. Inspired by magician Ben Eagle, Pepper discovers his self confidence when he believes he can move objects with his mind. This newfound faith in magic becomes intertwined with his understanding of miracles. As the war intensifies, Pepper’s family is affected – his father joins the military, and his brother faces imprisonment. Inspired by Vicar Fr Oliver’s homily, Pepper attempts to move mountains with his mustard seed-sized faith to bring his father back. He embarks on acts of mercy, including befriending Hashimoto, a victim of racism, and performing charitable deeds. Pepper’s conviction in moving mountains takes a literal turn, as he triggers a seismic event that changes the landscape. His prayers coincide with the news of the atomic bomb named ‘Little Boy,’ which ends the war but also claims his father’s life. In a twist of fate, Pepper’s unwavering faith is ultimately rewarded, underscoring the film’s exploration of love, belief, and the unexpected ways in which miracles can unfold.


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CRI News and Events

Community Leadership

Community Leadership

The leadership workshop hosted by the team at CRI House in Delhi from 30 July to 5 August was a trans-formative event. Under the guidance of Sr. Elsa Muttathu, National Secretary, and with Andrew Pinto as the main resource person, the workshop provided participants with valuable insights into leadership principles derived from the Gospel of Mark. The workshop comprised six days, each dedicated to a unique aspect of leadership, fostering growth and self-discovery among the members. The participants comprised of 28 members from 9 congregations – five brothers, one priest and twenty-two women religious.

The workshop reflected on the following themes:

The Community Leader’s Role

Participants engaged in discussions about the responsibilities and challenges of community leadership. It began by distinguishing leadership from management. Leadership involves doing the right things, while management focuses on doing things correctly. Management deals with processes like planning, budgeting, organizing, staffing, and problem-solving for smooth operations. On the other hand, leadership revolves around creating and adapting organizations to change, requiring a vision, aligning people with it, and inspiring them to overcome obstacles. Successful transformation relies heavily on leadership, often overlooked in favor of management. Effective leaders are proactive, continually learning, and sharing knowledge to address evolving situations. Leadership significantly impacts group dynamics, with negative leader qualities, like stubbornness or favoritism, affecting team performance. The workshop aimed to teach leadership principles from the Gospel of Mark, empowering participants to become more effective, compassionate, and visionary community leaders.

Visionary Leadership for Transformation

Effective leadership hinges on a clear vision and the capacity to drive positive change. Leaders must envision a brighter future for their communities. Jesus exemplified visionary leadership in Mark 1:15, calling people to “Repent and Believe.” His vision penetrated individuals, compelling them to leave their comfort zones and become agents of change, just as he transformed fishermen into “fishers of men.” Leadership fundamentally serves as a catalyst for transformation, guiding a collective journey from one point to another. This transformation involves shifts in values, attitudes, and a deeper understanding of the mission. Pope Francis is an example, skillfully navigating, setting boundaries, and taking calculated risks. He reads the signs of the times, fostering unity and solidarity. At its core, leadership is a journey of change, steering the group from where it is to where it should be.

The Essence of Leadership: Leading from the Core

This concept delves into the inner aspects of leadership, highlighting the significance of leading from a place of authenticity and inner balance. As leaders, it’s crucial to introspect, connecting with our inner values and spirituality to lead with genuine compassion. The crisis in leadership credibility can be traced back to a loss of soulfulness in humanity. The soul, representing a person’s essence, yearns for a connection with the divine and a pursuit of truth, compassion, and integrity. Often, these ideals slip away amidst competing demands. Nurturing the soul involves practices like contemplation, self-awareness, and striving for a sense of wholeness. Leaders who are attuned to their souls take responsibility for their inner well-being to prevent harm. They create environments that allow communal encounters with the divine when necessary. Such leaders operate with a sense of freedom beyond titles, appreciate solitude, and grasp the broader perspective. It’s crucial to safeguard the soul in institutional settings.

Simple methods to nurture the soul encompass diverse preparations, daily reflections, and activities like Lexio Divina. Contemplative awareness centers on recognizing the influence of the divine, encourages collective transformation, and enables more profound dialogues. It involves observing life, contemplating its meaning, and aligning actions accordingly.

Leadership and Power:

We had meaningful discussions on responsible power and authority use in leadership roles, guided by Andrew Pinto’s practical strategies for ethical and greater good-driven power use.

Mark’s Gospel highlights the unique trans-formative power of the cross, evident in Jesus’ suffering and resurrection. The three passion predictions show how it brings the kingdom into the world. While suffering is inevitable, our dignified and generous response matters. God’s power lies in humanizing the world, fostering democracy, and promoting well-being for all. The fundamental goal is realizing full humanity and extending goodwill universally, aligning with the Christian calling for a thriving humanity.  As Christian leaders and consecrated men and women we draw our strength from the power of powerlessness.

Reflect on the sources of power you rely on and how they influence your leadership approach.

Leadership and Vulnerability:

Vulnerability in leadership fosters genuine connections and empathy, enhancing authenticity. We need to dispel six myths:

  • seeing vulnerability as weakness,
  • undervaluing it,
  • thinking it can be eliminated,
  • prioritizing trust over vulnerability,
  • viewing it as complete openness.
  • Rejecting Vulnerability

To protect self-esteem, we often use excuses, rationalization, blame, and humor as defensive “armor.” Embracing others’ vulnerability is crucial. In Mark 10:17-31, a wealthy man’s encounter with Jesus exemplifies vulnerability. Christianity emphasizes complete giving and totality. This is the mark of Christian leadership.

Prophetic Leadership:

Visionary leaders drive change, challenge injustice, and advocate for justice, pushing communities towards a fairer world. Prophets, as God’s spokespersons, address contemporary issues, revealing the unseen with a God-driven passion. Their calling mirrors the cry of the Israelites in Exodus 3:7-8. Leaders must discern societal, ministry, and collaborative needs. Prophets possess deep sensitivity, uncovering unspoken desires and fears, even when hesitant to speak out. Prophetic insight arises from contemplative consciousness.

The leadership workshop at CRI House, Delhi, provided a rich and trans-formative experience for its participants. Under the guidance of Sr. Elsa Muttathu and Andrew Pinto, attendees not only gained valuable insights into leadership principles but also had the opportunity to deepen their spirituality and self-awareness. The workshop fostered a sense of unity among the diverse group of participants, equipping them with the tools and inspiration needed to lead their congregations with purpose, vision, and compassion. As the participants return to their respective communities, they carry with them the knowledge and inspiration gained from this workshop, poised to make a positive impact as leaders guided by the principles of the Gospel of Mark. This workshop serves as a testament to the commitment of CRI House, Delhi, to empower leaders within religious congregations, ultimately contributing to a stronger and more compassionate society.

Legal Guidelines for Effective Leadership

Sr. Mary Scaria’s insights on legal guidelines in leadership and administration underscore their vital importance. Law, fundamentally rooted in divine or natural principles, aims to enrich life, emphasizing love and support for all individuals.

Universal and interconnected human rights, integral to India’s Constitution, have a profound impact on both law and society, as seen in events like the Gujarat carnage in 2002. Our Constitution embodies justice, equality, fraternity, and dignity in its Preamble. Fundamental Rights, Duties, and the Directive Principles of State Policy shape our legal framework, resonating with Pope Francis’s Fratelli Tutti. Our Fundamental Rights encompass equality, freedom, protection from exploitation, freedom of religion, cultural and educational rights, and the right to constitutional remedies, including the right to establish and administer educational institutions under Article 30(1). As leaders, we must heed Jesus’ counsel to be both discerning and compassionate, understanding the complexities of our roles. Streamlining administrative processes is crucial, covering various aspects from land acquisition to handling legal documents. In our pursuit of effective leadership and administration, a deep understanding of legal guidelines is essential. These principles not only guide our actions but also ensure that we serve the common good within a superior and ethical framework. Navigating these legal waters equips us with the tools and wisdom to lead with integrity, compassion, and effectiveness, fostering a brighter future for all.

Grievance Redressal Cell & “It’s High Time” Session by Elsa Muttathu

Elsa Muttathu, National Secretary, led a session on the Grievance Redressal Cell (GRC) within the Conference of Religious India (CRI). The GRC aims to provide a safe platform for religious women to express concerns confidentially, promoting trust and inclusivness.

Elsa emphasized active listening, constructive communication, and confidentiality. The GRC addresses issues like conflict resolution and fair treatment, upholding justice and compassion within the religious community.

Additionally, Elsa discussed “It’s High Time: Women Religious Speak Up on Gender Justice in the Indian Church.” This study, commissioned by CRI Women, highlights challenges faced by Catholic nuns, including mistreatment, property disputes, wage disparities and more. Elsa’s session sparked awareness and a shared commitment to advocate for the dignity and equitable treatment of women religious in the Indian Church.


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Book Review

Book Review : Spiritual Gifts and the Church | The Power of Silence

Book Review : Spiritual Gifts and the Church | The Power of Silence

Spiritual Gifts and the Church

Donald Bridge, David Phypers (2001)

Spiritual Gifts and the Church originally published in 1973 and revised in 2001, explores the diverse beliefs and debates within various church denominations regarding the Holy Spirit’s gifts. The book draws insights from Paul’s Epistles, primarily 1 Corinthians 12 and Ephesians 4, to emphasize unity among Christians. Divided into three sections, it navigates through the role of spiritual gifts in the Church, the Baptism of the Spirit, and how to embrace these gifts. The authors highlight that while there is an abundance of literature on spiritual gifts, their aim is practical rather than academic. They seek to clarify shared fundamental truths among Christians, advocating for tolerance and unity. The opening chapter delves into Paul’s concept of the “Body of Christ,” characterized by its supernatural nature. It discusses the purpose, nature, origin, and number of spiritual gifts, referencing Paul’s Greek terms: Pneumatikoi, Charisma, diakonia, and phanerösis.

The book acknowledges that some aspects remain unclear, even to Paul himself, and cites disputes over early church practices. It explains the unique gifts granted to Apostles, Prophets, evangelists, pastors, teachers, and others, acknowledging that distinctions between these roles can be complex and are not always essential.  The current controversy within different denominations regarding the concept of the ‘Baptism of the Spirit’ and its manifestations, particularly in relation to the growing charismatic movements is discussed in detail.  The book encourages unity among Christians while exploring the multifaceted topic of spiritual gifts through a practical lens. Each individual is invited to share in the gifts of the Holy Spirit as historical examples show.

The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise

Cardinal Robert Sarah with Nicolas Diat (2016)

The Power of Silence: Against the Dictatorship of Noise is a profound dialogue between Cardinal Robert Sarah, a notable voice in the African Church, and Nicolas Diat. The five-chapter book captures their conversations at the La Grande Chartreuse monastery. Addressing modern challenges in a noisy, materialistic world, the book draws from saints, mystics, and Cardinal Sarah’s experiences. The cardinal explores key questions: Can truth, beauty, and love be grasped without silence? Does wisdom spring from silence, where God’s voice is heard? Creativity is nurtured in silence, but our loud world hinders its pursuit. Modernity’s lack of connection with the divine creates an anguishing dilemma. Silence, a profound relationship between humans and God, births prayer and depth.

Silence, the author contends, enables humans to follow God’s lead. It fosters encounters with God’s light and is more significant than any human endeavor. The true revolution emerges from silence, aligning us with God and service to others. Mother Teresa’s example highlights love born from seeking Jesus. Cardinal Sarah acknowledges the challenge of explaining divine silence. Pope Benedict XVI’s afterword lauds him as a spiritual guide, imparting wisdom from his deep union with the Lord. In essence, The Power of Silence offers insights into the trans-formative potential of silence amidst a noisy world, drawing from Cardinal Sarah’s profound reflections and experiences.


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Editorial

Listen and Grow

Listen and Grow

In this September issue of Magnet, our spotlight is  focused on the profound theme of “Listening and Learning.” In a world that is constantly evolving, it is imperative for us to champion the values of receptivity, growth, and empathy.

Teachers, those guiding beacons who shape the minds of the future, are not merely transmitters of knowledge but are, first and foremost, listeners and perpetual learners themselves. They recognize that the classroom is not just a place for one-way dissemination of facts, but a dynamic arena where diverse perspectives and experiences intertwine. A true teacher understands the art of listening, embracing the unique stories and voices of their students. By doing so, they foster an environment of inclusiveness and collaboration that empowers young minds to flourish. In India, Teachers’ Day is a cherished occasion to honor these guardians of enlightenment.

Education and the Art of Listening

Education has traditionally been celebrated as the gateway to knowledge, but it encompasses much more than a mere repository of facts and figures. It involves the art of cultivating the ability to truly listen – to engage with the voices that resonate with thoughts and emotions. Education seeks to build bridges of understanding among individuals, transcending the barriers that divide us, and fostering a sense of unity. The foundations of education should firmly rest on the principles of openness and inquiry, two virtues closely intertwined with the spirit of listening and learning. Learning suffers when educational autonomy is compromised. Teachers, who should champion free thought and critical examination, often feel restricted by conformity.

In today’s world, listening is paramount. Our society faces increasing suffering and violence, evident in headlines and viral videos. This is a clear call to action, emphasizing the need for our empathy and listening skills more than ever. Recent events, like the distressing case of our sisters in Manipur, who suffered a brutal violation of their dignity as they were paraded naked, has left an indelible imprint on our collective consciousness. This horrific incident serves as a testament to the depths of human cruelty. The fact that many of us still carry the burden of witnessing such atrocities underscores the urgency of our times. It impels us to confront the darkness and become beacons of hope.

Our Role as Church

In an era where those in positions of power and authority seem to have lost their way, where they no longer hear the cries or feel the anguish of their fellow human beings, it is the sacred duty of the Church to step forward. The Church is called to listen, to truly listen, with profound sensitivity. It must serve as a sanctuary where the suffering of the oppressed is not merely heard but deeply understood and solaced. Deep listening is an art that we must diligently cultivate, both as individuals and as a society. It surpasses the act of hearing words; it is about immersing ourselves in the pain, fear, and aspirations of others. Such a skill can only flourish in an environment of profound stillness, where the clamor of judgment and prejudice is silenced. It resonates with the pain of the people, for it is within this resonance that genuine empathy is born.

Jesus revolutionized teaching by introducing parables, fundamentally transforming education. He did so by attuning himself to the struggles of his people. In this issue of Magnet, our six Cover Stories explore our mission to revolutionize teaching by becoming lifelong learners in the school of life and pain. Teachers are not mere conveyors of facts; they are architects of empathy, builders of understanding, and champions of deep listening.

In addition to our regular columns, we present two articles on the concept of synodality, championed by Pope Francis as a model of listening and learning. These articles address different facets of synodality. The first delves into the events leading to the evolution of the Synod on Synodality, using the World Youth Day in Portugal as a parable of Synodality. The second reflects on how the sensibility of synodality can influence our life within the Church. Both articles will be followed by a second part.

We want to express our sincere appreciation to our writers and the dedicated editorial team for their hard work and unwavering commitment. We also extend our heartfelt thanks to our cherished readers, as without you, our existence would have no purpose. We hope you enjoy a delightful reading experience.


Pushpa Joseph

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Cover Story

The Assumption of Mary A Call to Personal Transformation

“The Assumption of Mary A Call to Personal Transformation “

Romans 12.:2 “Do not conform any longer to the pattern of the world but be transformed by the renewing of your mind.”

Mother Mary is the model to transform oneself unto the fullness of Christ. Transformation is not a call to passivity, it’s a call to action. The Assumption of the Virgin Mary into heaven is the bodily taking up of the Virgin Mary into heaven at the end her earthly life. Mother Mary’s assumption into heaven is a call to each of us to live our earthly life as a self-surrender to God alone.

I had a unique experience of transformation of my life and got empowered through the guidance of others. To share with you honestly, I faced many problems in life when I was a young religious mainly because of my ignorance of the situation and listening to negative people. At times I was arrogant, angry and not aware of the inner potentialities to help balance my life. This was made known to my spiritual guide by my sisters in community. One fine day my spiritual guide called me and asked me how I was coping in my life as a religious. I told her it is good and I am happy.  Further she asked, are you really happy? This question struck a chord within me, causing my conscience to surge forth and express itself.


Sr Benny D’Cunha UFS

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Cover Story

Communal Harmony

Communal Harmony

“Where the mind is without fear […]; where knowledge is free;

where the world has not been broken up into fragments by domestic walls; […];

into that heaven of freedom, […], let my country awake.”

– Rabindranath Tagore

A few days ago, I came across a report by United Christian Forum titled, “Atrocities Against Christians Increasing Drastically Year-On-Year.” It states, “The violence in Manipur has been raging for over two months now, and hundreds of churches and many precious lives have been lost. This year we have just completed half a year of 190 days and we have already witnessed 400 incidents of violence against Christians across 23 states in India with Uttar Pradesh leading the chart with 155 incidents. Last year during the same period (January to June 2022) 274 incidents of violence against Christians witnessed […]. This year the month of June in 2023 has witnessed the highest number of incidents against Christians with 88 incidents (almost 3 incidents a day).”

Addressing the issue of Manipur in his article, “Human Lives Matter” in the Indian Currents (10-16, July, 2023), Archbishop Emeritus of Guwahati Thomas Menamparampil SDB reacts that “Today our interests ought to coincide with hearts and minds united in shared human interests. Manipur matters. The Prime Minister should speak up.” He further comments that “Modiji remains unmoved, He coolly raises the issue of Uniform Civil Code [UCC] and diverts the nation’s attention from the tragedies of Manipur. Is the government deliberately adding insult to injury by keeping the Manipur horrors as a non-issue?”


Fr Arnald Mahesh SDB

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Cover Story

Responsible Freedom

Responsible Freedom

If a celebration does not give any joie de vivre to a person or to a group of people, it becomes a meaningless event. Colourful ‘social media posts’ alone do not create any meaningful celebration in the hearts and minds of the people. These thoughts are relevant as we celebrate Indian Independence Day, which marks the end of British rule in 1947 and the establishment of a ‘free and independent’ Indian nation. On Independence Day, when the Indian tri-colour flutters in the air, it is apt to reflect on the importance of ‘freedom and responsibility’, since every celebration is an opportunity to refresh the memories, to revive the ‘original spirit’, and to analyze the holistic growth progress of a person or an organization in responsible freedom.

Freedom has nothing to do with the amount of physical space we occupy or the bodily capabilities we possess or fulfilling our instinctual needs.  In fact, it is more about respecting the ‘space of the other.’ Freedom is to choose, express and to live without infringing on the personal freedom of others. One of the secrets of happiness is to exercise responsible freedom. Freedom without responsibility is destructive and responsibility without freedom is frustrating. As far as a person does not exercise responsible freedom, no holistic growth happens in the life of that person. As a foetus experiences freedom in the mother’s womb, every human needs to experience freedom in the earth’s womb.


Fr Binny Marydas

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Other Articles

Violence! My Jesus!!

Violence! My Jesus!!

Violence and Jesus of our faith simply do not go together. All through his life Jesus has preached love of God and love of neighbor. He has also given us the touching and classical parables of all times by the names ‘The Good Samaritan’ and ‘The Good Shepherd’ to prove his point. He has also sacrificed his own life out of his pure love for others, for no fault of his. So, it becomes difficult even to imagine violence by such a person.

There is no dispute that Jesus is the Son of God. It is a late realization of his disciples, post Resurrection. As a human he lived exactly like one of us even in human limitations. We clearly come across two instances of his anger: (1) He used expletives like hypocrites, broods of vipers, whitewashed tombs, sons of murderers, etc. against the Pharisees and (2) He used violence while cleansing the temple in Jerusalem. So, there must be some strong reason for such a drastic deviation from his normal behavior resulting in violence. With the Pharisees, clearly the reason was their duplicity. But, for violence in the temple, the reason doesn’t stand out clearly; it emerges only when we put together all the four gospels and read them between their historical background. So, it is necessary to see Jesus from the historic perspective since he too has addressed himself most of the time as Son of Man.


Alex Mascarenhas SJ

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Other Articles

Cicily, the Angel

Cicily, the Angel

The school community rejoiced as two sisters joined the staff for the first time in our 14-year history. One sister became the supervisor for the Primary section, and I, the second sister, took on the role of moderator for Value Education, responsible for classes V to X. As the new academic year began, the Secondary section teachers approached me with a heartfelt plea. “Sister, please consider taking as many classes as possible in IX C. The students there are facing serious challenges, and we feel ill-equipped to handle them for they seem beyond redemption.” Despite being an amateur in this field, my love for the children and youth drew me to this class, since I was brought up in the soil of Salesian Fathers whose commitment to the young had made a great impact on me.

As I entered the class, I smiled at the students, and one of them said, “Sister, you have a captivating smile.”  “Thanks for the compliment,” I replied, “but let me tell you that you all deserve that smile.” Without wasting time, I began the class by sharing an experience from my school days.

“There was a class of 50 students, all very friendly and supportive,” I started. “But during lunchtime, I noticed one girl, Cicily, standing alone under a mango tree without eating. It puzzled me, and whenever I asked my friends about it, they said she was a proud girl and didn’t mix with others.”  “But one day, I decided to take a chance and called her to the Music room for a friendly chat,” I continued. “As she opened up about her life, I couldn’t control my emotions. I offered her my lunch and told her that I would wait for her every noon in the same room for lunch.”


Sr Mariella CTC

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Other Articles

A PILGRIMAGE TO THE ROOTS

A PILGRIMAGE TO THE ROOTS

A group of one thousand pilgrims hailing from Bergamo and Brescia in Italy embarked on a journey to Rome, retracing the footsteps of the two influential Popes of the Second Vatican Council, namely John XXIII and Paul VI. Their pilgrimage aimed to honor the legacy of these visionary leaders and deepen their understanding of the Council’s profound impact on the Catholic Church.  Sr Celine who was part of the group shares her experience of the pilgrimage.

STANDING ON THE SHOULDERS OF TWO GREAT MASTERS

The year 2023 is  a year of grace, to remember and celebrate two great Popes,  who contributed immensely to the renewal of the Church and the world.  June 3 marks 60 years since  the death of  John XXIII,  June 21, the 60th anniversary of the election of  Paul VI. They are the two important exponents of 20th century culture and thought patterns.  From June 2-4, Sotto il Monte and Concesio, the two towns that gave birth to these two holy Popes, celebrated these important and significant events, through a pilgrimage to Rome, and to meet Pope Francis in a private audience. Over a thousand pilgrims participated in this holy venture. Joining the Pilgrims, being part of this once in a lifetime grace-filled event, makes you feel proud to belong to the Catholic Church. It’s an occasion to revitalize our spiritual energies and  to renew our commitment to live our faith joyfully and enthusiastically.

John XXIII and Paul VI- the protagonists and parents of Vatican II with different family backgrounds, temperaments, formation and experience, were great friends; who admired, appreciated and supported each other. A profound relationship existed between Roncalli and Montini. One opened the Council and the other steered it wisely and closed it solemnly. Both of them shared the Council’s project to make the Church ever more open and docile to the action and inspiration of the Holy Spirit. As Jean Guitton said, providence made use of them: ‘of the bold, elderly pilot to launch the vessel into the sea’ and ‘of the young man to bring it into port’.  They are not merely two great masters but also true and authentic witnesses who  showed to everyone by word and example the true path to heaven.


Sr. Celine D’Cunha FMA

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