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Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of Faith

Robert Barron (2014)

This eminently readable book by Bishop Robert Barron is unsurprisingly a best seller now. It was born out of the script he wrote for a documentary film series that he had done under the same title and had been well received around the world. The book is directed at the general reader both in and outside of the Catholic Church or even outside the Christian fold. Arranged into ten chapters with a short coda in the end, Barron’s book begins with the question that anyone unacquainted with the church might ask: “What is the Catholic thing? What makes it distinctive among all of the competing philosophies, ideologies and religions of the world?” The book delves into the Incarnation, which sets Christianity apart, and showcases the rich history and cultural contributions of the Church through stories, biographies, images, and artistic expressions. Barron addresses theological arguments, differences among churches, and critiques from atheists and secular thinkers. In the words of the author, part of the genius of the Catholic tradition is that it never throws anything out! There is something for everyone in its wide space. His approach to the vast subject is celebratory, simple and colloquial, refreshing and appealing to a wide audience. As the book draws to a close, Barron shares a poignant quote from an elderly bishop discussing the agenda for Vatican Council II: “It’s all about God.” This statement encapsulates the underlying theme of the entire journey through Catholicism presented in the book. It reminds readers that, amidst the vast array of topics covered, the heart of the Catholic faith lies in a profound relationship with the divine. Catholicism: A Journey to the Heart of Faith is a highly readable and widely acclaimed book that offers an immersive experience of the Catholic tradition.

Mary Today: Fundamental Issues and New Directions in Mariology

Joy Kaipan S D B(Ed)

This book is a collaborative effort by a group of authors focused on the subject of Mariology. It serves as a Festschrift honoring Dr. Thomas Panakezham SDB, Professor of Mariology at Kristu Jyoti College in Bangalore, on the occasion of his 80th birthday and the twin jubilee of his Diamond Jubilee of Religious Profession and Golden Jubilee of Ordination to the Priesthood. Dr. Panakezham, a scholar and passionate devotee of the Blessed Virgin Mary, finds special relevance in this book, as Mariology is his favorite subject. The book delves into the veneration of the Holy Virgin and Marian devotion, practices shared by the Orthodox and Catholic churches, yet remaining controversial among Protestant communities. The 16 chapters preceding the concluding chapter, which reminisces on Dr. Panakezham’s journey, cover various aspects of Mariology, encompassing its historical and theological dimensions. The opening chapter provides an overview of the book, discussing Mary in the Gospels, with a particular focus on the synoptic Gospels. Subsequent sections comprehensively explore different aspects of Mary based on the accounts found in the first three Gospels. Another chapter explores the Magnificat and its implications for faith, emphasizing the theme of hope. Addressing a common question raised by theologically uninitiated Christians and casual readers of the New Testament, the fourth chapter examines why Jesus addresses Mary as “Woman” in two instances in John’s Gospel and reveals the unique status afforded to the Mother of God, drawing connections to Pontius Pilate’s statement, “Behold the Man” (Jn 19:5). The book covers a wide range of topics, including Mary’s relationship with the Church, her presence in the liturgy of both Eastern and Western churches, Marian dogmas, her connection to priesthood, her role in fostering holiness among the faithful, and her portrayal as a model of Christian discipleship and full humanity. The book also explores popular Marian devotions, the role of Mary in catechesis, her significance within the Salesian congregation, and her representation as a model for youth. With its informative and engaging content, the book caters to both serious scholars and laypeople alike. It offers valuable insights into the study of Mariology while keeping readers intrigued by its diverse perspectives and profound exploration of the subject matter.  For both the serious scholar and the layperson, the book is both informative and interesting.

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In recent weeks, we in India have witnessed disheartening incidents of violence against Christians in Manipur and a devastating train crash that resulted in the loss of hundreds of lives and left many injured. These events have raised concerns about the weakening state of friendly social spaces and democratic systems within the Indian context.  In today’s fast-paced and digitally-driven world, where distractions abound, many people find themselves disconnected from their own experiences and the suffering of others. However, embracing a mindful approach to living can serve as a powerful remedy, allowing us to forge deeper connections with human pain. In this editorial, we explore how mindful living connects us with human pain and why it is essential for our personal growth and collective well-being.

Awakening to Our Own Pain:

Mindful living begins by turning our attention inward and becoming aware of our own pain and struggles. Instead of numbing ourselves or avoiding discomfort, we learn to face our challenges with compassion and curiosity. By acknowledging and accepting our own suffering, we develop a deeper understanding of the universal nature of pain. This self-awareness becomes the foundation for our ability to empathize with others and respond to their pain with kindness and support.

Cultivating Empathy and Compassion:

Mindful living extends beyond self-reflection. It involves actively engaging with the experiences of others, recognizing their pain, and responding with empathy and compassion. Through mindfulness practices, we develop the capacity to extend our heartfelt concern to all beings, even those we may perceive as different or distant from us. By acknowledging the interconnectedness of human experiences, we begin to see that everyone, regardless of their background or circumstances, is susceptible to suffering.

Breaking Down Barriers:

Mindful living challenges the barriers that often separate us from understanding the pain of others. It encourages us to step outside our comfort zones and actively listen to diverse perspectives and narratives. By doing so, we cultivate a deeper sense of empathy and create spaces for genuine dialogue and connection. In a world where polarization and division are rampant, mindful living becomes a powerful tool for fostering unity and healing societal wounds.

Taking Action and Making a Difference:

Mindful living is not solely about self-reflection and empathy; it also compels us to take meaningful action. When we are connected to the pain of others, we are driven to alleviate suffering and create positive change. Mindfulness empowers us to identify and address social injustices, advocate for those who are marginalized, and contribute to building a more compassionate and equitable society.

This issue of Magnet comprises five captivating cover stories, each illuminating a distinct aspect of mindful living. From recognizing God’s presence in every moment to cultivating mindfulness in education, parenting, creating a democratic culture, and technology usage, these articles offer invaluable insights into how mindfulness can enrich our lives and empower us to address the pain caused by injustice. Other articles in this issue touch upon the varied ways in which religious men and women enter into the lives of people who are in pain; people who experience pain as a result of injustice.

Mindful living serves as a trans-formative force that enables us to connect with human pain on a profound level. By embracing self-reflection, cultivating empathy and compassion, breaking down barriers, and taking action, we become active participants in a more inclusive and empathetic world. Through this process, we discover the immense power within each of us to heal, support, and uplift one another. Let us embrace mindful living as a guiding principle in our lives, connecting with human pain and fostering a brighter, more compassionate future for all.

We welcome Br. Sunil Britto CFC, a visionary with extensive experience and expertise, as our new columnist. He is the Secretary of FORUM of Religious for Justice and Peace (North East) and based in Nongpoh, Meghalaya.  He is also a valued member of the Conference of Catholic Psychologists of India and serves as an Animator for the Laudato Si’ Movement. His column, “Reimaging Religious Life,” will delve into the evolving landscape of religious life, offering inspiring reflections and innovative ideas. We are privileged to have him join our esteemed group of regular columnists.

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Pushpa Joseph

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Globalization, initiated in India in 1991 through the New Economic Policy, unifies the world into a global society. It brings economic growth, technology, and improved living standards, yet raises concerns about cultural erosion, and social stability.

What are the positive and negative influences of Globalization?

Positive impact:

1. 1. Job creation: The New Economic Policy in India since 1991 has led to significant job opportunities, particularly in rural areas. Previously, employment options were limited to seasonal agricultural activities. However, globalization and privatization have stimulated the Indian economy, resulting in the establishment of new businesses and increased employment opportunities. Multinational corporations entering the Indian market have also contributed to job creation, benefiting both skilled and unskilled individuals.

2. Improved income and living standards: Previously, rural communities in India relied primarily on agriculture for income, often struggling to meet basic needs. However, the introduction of new employment opportunities has led to increased and stable wages, resulting in improved income levels. This, in turn, has elevated their standard of living, enabling access to better food, clothing, and housing.
3. Enhanced awareness through connectivity: The advent of the internet and communication technology has enabled rural populations to stay informed about current events and issues. This increased awareness has not only helped dispel superstitious beliefs but also empowered rural communities to assert themselves. Access to knowledge and motivation through connectivity has played a significant role in fostering this positive change.
4. Disruption of the caste system: Over the past few years, the caste system in rural areas has experienced a decline in significance due to the emergence of new economic opportunities. This has resulted in a shift in social stratification. In traditional agriculture-based economies, people were divided based on their assigned roles. However, under globalization, individuals from different castes within the same village now work together, either within the village itself or in companies outside. Employment opportunities in the globalized and industrialized sectors are based on skills, merit, and abilities, rather than caste. Consequently, individuals from lower castes in rural communities can secure better jobs than those from higher castes, leading to the breakdown of the caste system.

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John Don Bosco

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In Cover Story 2, the author, Fr Arnald Mahesh, explores the future of religious life within a globalized world, emphasizing the need to strengthen communion and highlighting nine key features that will shape the future of religious life in our interconnected world.

Religious life is a theological reality. This consecration is lived within a given Institute according to Constitutions which the Church approves. Some essential elements of religious life are: the call of God and consecration to Him through profession of the evangelical counsels by public vows; a stable form of community life; for institutes dedicated to apostolic works, a sharing in Christ’s mission by a corporate apostolate faithful to a specific founding gift and sound tradition; personal and community prayer; asceticism; public witness; a specific relation to the Church; a lifelong formation; and a form of government calling for religious authority based on faith.

Globalization is generally a movement of capitalism spreading across the globe. It also refers to an open flow of information, technology, and goods among countries and consumers. This openness occurs through various relationships, from business, geopolitics, and technology to travel, culture, and media. Since globalization can be defined as a process of an ever more interdependent world where political, economic, social, and cultural relationships are not restricted to territorial boundaries, globalization has much to do with its creation of a homogenized “global culture.”

Religious life in a globalized world

Historical and cultural changes bring about evolution in the lived reality, but the forms and direction that the evolution takes are determined by the essential elements of religious life without which religious life loses its identity. The process of globalization has truly made the world a smaller place – a global village – in which political, social, and economic events elsewhere affect individuals anywhere, including religious across the globe. As a result, individuals (including consecrated persons) search for identities in a world that is ever changing. The relationship between globalization and religious life is one with new possibilities and challenges. Put differently, globalization has engendered some desirable and less desirable consequences in  religious life. Although these challenge religious life, they would never make it obsolete – as these challenges can be converted into possibilities – because it is a divine action.

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Fr Arnald Mahesh SDB

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Embracing Pope Francis’ Fratelli Tutti, this Cover Story highlights the importance of fostering Social friendship and embracing interculturality, as a trans–formative approach in our gloablized world.

The title ‘Yours Truly, Sreedharan’ is a Malayalam movie that tells the real-life story of Zubeidaa, a Muslim woman who takes on the responsibility of raising the three children of her Hindu domestic help after the latter’s sudden demise. This heartfelt film was inspired by a Facebook post shared by Mr. Sreedharan in 2019, expressing his grief over the loss of his Umma (mother), Zubeidaa. For Mr. Sreedharan, Zubeidaa was the only mother figure he knew, as his biological mother, Chikki, passed away when he was just one year old. Along with his two sisters, who were  born into a Hindu family, they were raised and provided with education by their Muslim foster mother. Mr. Sreedharan emphasizes that they never faced any pressure or compulsion to convert to Islam. In a world marked by divisions and barriers, stories like these serve as living examples of interculturality and social friendships. They go beyond mere concepts and hold significant meaning. The film ‘Yours Truly, Sreedharan’, reviews say, beautifully portrays the power of love and compassion that transcends religious and cultural boundaries, reminding us of the importance of unity and understanding.  While ‘The Kerala Story’ has sparked intense debates and become a contentious issue between cultures, the movie ‘Yours Truly, Sreedharan’ presents a powerful narrative of interculturality and social friendship. Surprisingly, this inspiring film has yet to make headlines, but that discussion is better suited for another debate.

As globalization fosters increased multiculturalism, we are faced with the opportunity and responsibility to adapt and engage with diverse cultures. We must open ourselves to enter into the lives and cultures of others, particularly the marginalized. Jesus serves as a powerful example in this regard, as He embraced cultural diversity, dismantled barriers, and treated everyone with love, compassion, and respect. His interactions with Samaritans, Gentiles, and societal outsiders challenged norms, highlighting universal values of justice, mercy, and forgiveness. His message of love and salvation transcended cultural boundaries, resonating with people from all backgrounds. By following Jesus’ example, we can celebrate the richness of cultural diversity and actively cultivate social friendships, fostering unity and love within the church and beyond.

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Pushpa Joseph

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Life- invigorating, God-gifted fresh air

Lung- ravaging , choking cigarette fumes;

Pot- belly- inflating sedentary life style

Sturdy  feet that daily  tread many a mile.

Life richly engendering rain and sun

Health- wrecking smoke and pollutants;

Life-renewing , ever freshwater rivers

Disease and death peddling city gutters.

New throbbing life- creating conjugal love

Budding life callously nipping abortionists;

Lawn grass coolly showering  water sprinklers

Smashing, flattening, remorseless bulldozers.

Care- dispensing angelic nurses’ hands

Ravaging, ravishing  child abusers;

Consecrated religious  uplifting  the poor

Grabbing, greed-driven  business houses.

Brother/Sisterhood, harmony promoting  gurus

Hatred, venom spewing, rabid god- men;

Peace-loving, serenely living small nations

Arrogant, bullying power- crazy war lords.

Life’s battle is between makers and wreckers

Rally  with  the makers, shun  the wreckers.

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Matthew Adukanil SDB

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In this exclusive interview with Janina Gomes, we delve into the world of Fr. Mathew Adukanil SDB —an accomplished educationist, writer, and visionary. Through this conversation, we gain valuable insights into his unique approach to literature and his profound perspectives on life. Prepare to embark on a journey that unveils the depth of his wisdom and the richness of his experiences.

1. Tell us something about yourself and your family.
I hail from a Syrian Catholic Family of 11 siblings, eight brothers and three sisters. I learnt the Christian tradition of hospitality from my parents and the discipline of punctuality
early in my life, from my father. I was the first one to leave my home in Kerala. Others followed suit in due course, seeking jobs abroad. At one time we were six siblings living abroad. Now two more brothers, Dominic and Jose, are settled in London with their families.

2. What attracted you to the Salesian order and how did you first receive the call to be a priest?

I became a candidate at the age of 13, knowing nothing about Don Bosco. A young missionary neighbour, Fr. Matthew Mullanmadackel who had studied in our Poonamalee Seminary, Chennai, made this choice of a great missionary congregation for me. I visited his home often and his mother lavished on me her generous hospitality.
My parents wished and prayed daily at night prayers that I should become a priest. My mother would take me along with her when she visited families of priest friends, with gifts of home-made paani ( a honey like condensed drink).
When I was at home I had so many chores to do, but as a candidate, games and music were part of the attractive routine for me. I have kept up this love for games even in later years and I have found that it is an appealing way of bonding with the youth.

3. You have a rare combination of a B.A. in Economics, a B.Ed, M.A. and M. Phil in English, two years of Philosophy and a semester course in Religious Studies in Rome. How do you integrate this variety of disciplines?

All these various disciplines deal with various aspects of life, and give us an experience of living on a variety of campuses and cultures. Literature as a reflection or a prism of life gives us valuable insights into human life. Our cultural background interacts creatively with our reflective powers.
Our life is a free flowing stream, which is enriched by the different soils and terrains it runs through, giving us a richer experience of life.

4. You have been Principal of Don Bosco schools, St .Bede’s Anglo -Indian School and a Professor in Don Bosco colleges. What experiences have you had as Principal ? What do you think are the main qualities required of Principals these days?
If you have a deep interest in your students and their holistic welfare, they will value you. Discipline and regularity are irksome to them when they are teenagers . The roots of education are bitter,but the fruits turn sweet in later life, as alumni happily acknowledge when they meet you years later. The staff also need systematic, caring and supportive follow-up.
A Principal must deal with problematic students in a personally caring manner. They must not be viewed as troublemakers. Often they suffer from broken families and irresponsible parents.
The weekly hour for spontaneous CCA or Co-curricular Activities is a great boon for students in exploring their talents and building up their self-confidence. Future innovative leaders emerge from such activities.
5. You have taught English Literature for 7 years in Don Bosco College of Arts and Science in Dharmapuri. How important do you think is it to still be educated in English?
Critical thinking, whether in English or one’s mother tongue is the crux of education. Students must learn to express their ideas and views in a spontaneous and fluent manner.
It is not necessary to have the English medium at the primary level. This is promoted mostly for social prestige, and creates among affluent students, a snobbish attitude. Learning in the English medium from middle school is more than sufficient. Teaching selections from literature is a must for wholesome human formation. This will introduce them to great minds and noble thoughts.
6. You have been the main organizer of the State Level Intercollegiate Literary Festival called the ‘DB Muse’ in, Dharmapuri college , Tamil Nadu for 5 years. What sort of literature was showcased at this festival and in which languages?
We have focused on activities that engage students actively like elocution, literary quiz, Shakespeare skit competition etc., rather than on mere paper presentations. The latter is often a rehash of ill-digested materials taken down from the net and keeps the audience passive.
At such gatherings there must be a motivational and inspirational talk by a distinguished speaker. This will set the tone for the day. Thereafter the student-centred activities should take over.
On such occasions, inaugural rituals should be minimal and should not eat into precious seminar time. Being an activity aimed at the promotion of the English language, all competitions were held in English.
7. You were Director of Library in colleges at Tirupattur and Dharmapuri in the early nineties. How important is it to have well stocked and equipped libraries for students today?
Libraries have evolved over the years from the primarily print medium to ‘cibrary’ and digital media. A library is something basic to learning. The regular users of the library need to be recognized and awarded nowadays. No number of science or other labs can replace the library. Corrective measures need to be taken to remedy the deteriorating reading habit. Students should read widely outside their subjects. The pull of the visual media is a threat to the reading culture.
8. You have authored 10 books among which are, ‘You can Master English’, ‘Runaway to Success’ and poems in ‘Drinking Deep at the Divine Springs.’ You have also authored many New Leader books. What has made you so prolific ?

I owe my literary productivity to my early English mentors, Fr. Joseph Deane SDB in school days and Fr. Joseph Murphy SDB and other foreign professors in college who were an inspiration to me. In particular I am indebted to my ELT Prof. Dr. V. Saraswathy who challenged me to take up serious writing.
I thoroughly enjoyed my PG studies in English in Kollam and fell in love with literature. Doing my M. Phil studies as a regular student at the Madras University, gave me great literary exposure.My habit of reading the newspapers daily started from home and the habit of quiet reflection and regular discipline of prayer has helped me a lot.
I must record my gratitude to the former New Leader editor Fr. Joe Antony SJ ,who allowed me to experiment with penning poems for the magazine. The present editor Fr. Antony Pancras also has patronized many poems and articles of mine. Currently I am penning short reflections on Shakespeare quotes known as ‘Shakespeare Pearls.’ I have also written about five feature articles in the New Leader magazine. For a couple of years the Salesian Bulletin also featured my poems. Among my books, three are collections of my poems.
9. You have written humorous and topical articles for the Hindu and the New Indian Express. How important do you think is it to have a Christian presence in the secular media?

My topics have been mostly secular, but when written by a religious educationist they open up new perspectives to the reader. Humour cuts across all religions and cultures as it is part of basic humanity. These articles have a light streak of social satire like in ‘ Selfies and the Ruling Self-Obsession ‘ , ‘Faith is Alive’ ‘ Democracy at Railway Level Crossings’ etc. My book ‘ A Mirror to Our Times’ published by the New Leader Publications, Chennai contains my social criticism.

10. You also have a You tube channel with 120 videos and 700 subscribers which you started after the Covid Pandemic in 2020. What did you hope to achieve by starting this channel?

I could not take online classes in English for my students at college. So I changed over to amateur YouTube videos for which I do the script, shooting and editing myself. This enables me to reach out to a modest, wider audience on cyber space and I also post videos on youth topics like addictions, religion, anger management etc. This channel gives scope for cautioning against many common English errors in English usage.

11. What was the impact of the pastoral and educational ministry you did for some 5 years in the Philippines and give us some highlights of the World Youth Day of 1995 in Manila.
My youth ministry kicked off in the Southern Philippines with the World Youth Day in Manila in January 1995 where I led a group of some 35 boys and girls from the southern city of Dumaguete. It was a memorable overnight trip by a ship named Donna Virginia. So many students were eager to join the trip and we had to restrict entries and prepare them for the event with spiritual and social sessions. Filipinos excel at dance and action songs. We reached the venue, claimed our territory and set up camp many hours ahead of the lively youth session and holy mass with St. Pope John Paul II. Spiritual adrenaline ran high in the nearly hysteric youth, as they chanted lustily from time to time the slogan, ‘ We love you, John Paul II ’during his interactive session with them. The World Youth Day anthem ‘ Shine Jesus, Shine’ electrified the ecstatic youth and the memorable melody of ‘ God So Loved the World’ was so moving. The celebration was a public holiday in the Philippines.
Though I had a pass to join the concelebrated holy mass I could not penetrate the 2 million strong dense crowd and reach the altar. Owing to this massive crowd the Pope himself arrived by helicopter at the venue.
I was campus minister in St. Louis DB School, organizing the teaching of Catechism, conducting school recollections in a beach side retreat house made of bamboo overlooking the Dumaguete harbour. During school hours I used to go to high schools around Victoria city, with a team of catechists in the sugarcane island of Negros Occidental, through slippery dirt tracks and conduct Mass and hear confessions. Some in senior high school were making only their second confession after their first communion. They were so overjoyed that a priest came to the school to hear their confessions. In remote hilly villages the people have improvised their own horse -driven carts on abandoned sugarcane company rail tracks. We had also a group of bright high school Seniors, known as Young Volunteer Catechists, who taught catechism to primary school children in the neigbourhood. It was a very rewarding and enriching pastoral ministry for me.

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Fr. Matthew Adukanil SDB Speaks

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  Recently a senior priest shared with me some reminiscences of his ordination.  He had joined the Salesians after working for some years as a teacher.  The bishop who ordained him was known to him.  On the occasion of his ordination he received a letter from the bishop congratulating him and wishing him a very fruitful life as a priest.  A sentence from that letter remains etched on his mind even after so many years: “Do not become a busy priest.”  What the bishop meant was that he should not neglect his spiritual life using the many apostolic activities that he would have to carry out, as an excuse.  Through his letter the bishop was exercising spiritual leadership.

What is Spiritual Leadership?

            There is a growing awareness that leaders should take care not only of the material and emotional well-being of those under their charge but also of their spiritual welfare. Spirituality and religion are related but they are not the same.  Without entering into a detailed discussion, we may consider religion as an organized entity (usually with some structure of authority and governance, and some indicators of belongingness), which holds common beliefs and practices (e.g. the Apostles’ Creed, sacraments).  Spirituality refers to the methods of maintaining connectedness to something larger than oneself (supreme being), the ways of finding meaning in life and the discipline of living one’s life in a loving and sacred manner. One can be spiritual without being a member of an organized religion.  Although the spiritual dimension is a very important part of the human being, leaders often do not concern themselves with it saying that it belongs to a person’s private life.  Today, there is a new realization that people are to be encouraged to bring their whole selves (e.g. physical dimension, emotional dimension, intellectual dimension, spiritual dimension) to their work or whatever they are engaged in and leaders must pay attention to and address all the dimensions.  Spiritual leadership is not about being the leader of a religious/spiritual entity like a parish, diocese or a convent.  Rather, it is about being spiritual and paying attention also to the spiritual dimension of those under our care, or those whom we lead, be it in the workplace, on a sports team, NGO, etc.

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Fr Jose Kuttianimattathil SDB

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I am Sr. Zenit, a Religious nun. My parents are aged and need someone to support. Since I am an only child, I do not wish to leave my Religious life only to look after my parents. Is there any possibility that canon law offers to be able to stay with them and serve them in their last days?

The essential elements of Religious life are public vows of three evangelical counsels and community life. Therefore both CIC (c.602) and CCEO (c.410) oblige the Religious to live in a canonically established house; it is natural, and inherent to their membership into particular Religious Congregation. However canon 665 of CIC gives a possibility of “absences”. The canon skillfully regulates this possibility by stating; “the major superior, with the consent of the council and for a just cause, can permit a member to live outside a house of the Institute, but not for more than a year, except for the purpose of caring for ill health, of studies, or of exercising an apostolate in the name of the institute”.

From this it is evident that the permission to be “absent” can only be extended in the cases of ill health, studies, or when the member is exercising an apostolate in the name of the Congregation. Otherwise, the extensions can only be granted by the Holy See. It can be given only up to one year, then if it may be further needed it can be granted after a period of her/his presence in a canonical house. Many of the canonists are of the opinion that ill health can be extended to the ill health of parents who have no one else to take care of them. Therefore, Sr. Zenit can request for a “leave of absence” that can be extended up to one year. Yet it must always be borne in mind that a “leave of absence” is a benevolence of the Superior; thus cannot be demanded for. This provision is for all Religious in CIC (Latin Church).

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Sr Navya Thattil OSF

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One among the more interesting persons I have met is an ex-religious. He joined a clerical order, and studied up to his diaconate. He left just before being ordained a deacon. He told me why. Let us call him Prabhu (not his real name).

H said something like this, – “We, human beings, want to be happy. To be happy, we need a challenge. I did not find a worthwhile challenge in religious life. I remember my life in the theology house. There were days on which I would lie awake on my bed early morning and ask myself, ‘Why get up today? For what?’ I did not find anything worthwhile to do.”

Hearing this, someone asked Prabhu, “If so, why didn’t you leave earlier?”

“Because everything was provided. It was very easy simply to go on from day to day. But I found that kind of life more and more meaningless. So, I decided to leave.”

He left. Two companions accompanied him to the small room he took on rent in Bangalore. After they left, he sat on his trunk (which held all his earthly possessions). Two thoughts struck him. One: I am utterly alone in this world. Two: Till yesterday, others told me what to do. From today, I have to make all the decisions myself.

His first need was to start earning a living. He had very little money with him. He remembered that a convent of sisters was looking for material for making habits. He contacted them. He then travelled to Tirupur in Tamilnadu, found that material, took a bus to Coimbatore, spent the whole night in the bus stand (since he had no money for staying in a lodge), caught a morning bus to Kerala, sold that cloth to the sisters and made his first small income.

This is how he started. Today, he is a successful businessman. But the first days and years were far from easy.

His brother is a happy missionary in Africa who has done much good. “I am happy that my brother is a missionary in Africa, and that I am a layman,” Prabhu says.

What challenges have you faced in life? Are there challenges you are facing now? Do you face challenges head on, or tend to avoid them?

Do you tend to look for what is easy, and run away from what is better, but difficult? Or do you face challenges, look at problems and find solutions? In general, do you look for what is better or for what is easier?

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Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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