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Who would have imagined that an 82-year old nun would do something like this? She was frail and tiny, weighing just 47 kg. In the early morning hours of 28 July 2012 Sr. Megan Rice and her two colleagues managed to cut barbed wire fences and enter what is called the Y-12 nuclear weapons production complex in Tennessee, U.S. It was here that the United States had stored all the depleted uranium stock, transported from Kazakhstan, after the fall of the Soviet Union. The nuclear weapons there were capable of destroying the world ten times over. The three anti-nuclear activists spray-painted the walls with anti-nuclear slogans, lit candles, prayed and sang, waiting to be arrested.

They had carried in their backpacks some bread, candles, four white roses, a copy of the Bible, a hammer and a statement that accused the U.S. government of harbouring weapons of mass destruction. When the first security guard arrived, Sr. Megan offered him some home-baked bread.

All the three were arrested, jailed and sentenced to almost three years in prison. In her testimony at the court, Megan said “I regret I didn’t do this 70 years ago.”

Fr Joe Antony SJ

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A Man Called Otto (2023)   – runtime. 126 minutes

Director: Marc Forster

Cast:     Tom Hanks,  Mariana Treviño, Rachel Keller, Manuel Garcia-Rulfo, Truman Hanks, Mike Birbiglia

The movie is a remake of the Swedish film A Man Called Ove, based on Fredrik Backman’s novel. It follows the life of Otto Anderson, a grumpy widower and retired steelworker living alone in Pittsburgh. Through flashbacks, we learn of his emotional wounds, including the loss of his wife and unborn child. He contemplates suicide, but each attempt is interrupted in unexpected and often comical ways leading him back to life and happiness in loving human relationships.

Otto’s story is a poignant reminder that everyone carries hidden pain, and it’s important to approach others with empathy and understanding. The intrusive Hispanic family with their children force their way into Otto’s life, and he is gradually drawn to play father and grandfather, undertaking to teach driving to the pregnant mother, and babysitting for her children. His other attempts also get interrupted, and he decides to return to life gradually, giving up his grumpiness and unsociable behavior. He is even forced to adopt the stray cat and patch up with his old friend, the now invalid Ruben, and his wife Anita. Otto comes to their rescue from the manipulative real estate company attempting to trick them out of their house. His story ends on a reflective note, reminding us that every life has meaning and that we can make a difference in others’ lives by showing compassion and love.

Blue Miracle (2021). Runtime 95 minutes

Director: Julio Quintana

Cast: Dennis Quaid, Jimmy Gonzales, Fernanda Urrejola, Miguel Angel Garcia, Nathan Arenas, Anthony Gonzalez, Isaac Arellanes …

The movie is based on the true story of Omar Venegas, a former street boy who now runs a shelter for troubled boys in the Mexican port town of Cabo San Lucas. Omar and his wife, Becca, provide a home for boys who have nowhere else to go and help them to turn their lives around. However, the shelter is facing financial difficulties, and Omar has a large bank debt that he can’t repay. The story takes place during the 2014 Bisbee’s Black & Blue Fishing Tournament, which is a famous sport fishing competition offering a huge cash prize. The tournament is a three-day event, during which teams compete to catch the largest marlin. Captain Wade, a seasoned fisherman who has won the tournament twice before, is eager to participate again and win the prize money. However, a hurricane hits the town, and many competitors are discouraged from attending. Meanwhile, the shelter is nearly ruined, and Omar is struggling to provide food for the boys. When a delinquent boy steals a watch from Captain Wade, he is taken in by Omar and forced to help out at the shelter. In exchange, Omar agrees to return the stolen watch and asks Captain Wade to teach the boys how to fish. Wade is initially reluctant, but he agrees to help out when he realizes that his chances of winning the tournament are slim without a local partner. The team’s first two days of fishing are disastrous, but Omar’s determination and the boys’ faith keep them going. They are also helped by a little boy’s “miracle nail,” which he believes will bring them luck. As they head out to sea for the final day of the tournament, they are faced with a series of challenges that test their character and resolve. In the end, Omar and his team manage to catch the largest marlin of the tournament, winning the prize money and saving the shelter from closure. The movie delivers a message of hope and resilience, showing that even in the face of adversity, miracles can happen if we stay true to our values and never give up.

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Your Life in the Holy Spirit: What every Catholic needs to know and experience

– Alan Schreck (2007)

This insightful book explores essential questions about the Holy Spirit raised by the author’s study of the Bible. It delves into a series of questions that captivated the author’s attention while reading the Bible: “Does your life in Christ strengthen you? Does His love bring you comfort? Do you experience fellowship with the Holy Spirit?” Over the following ten chapters, these questions are explored and answered. It reveals the Spirit’s role as the life-giving, cleansing, and teaching power of the Trinity. The book clarifies misconceptions and emphasizes the Spirit’s relevance to our daily lives. It covers Pentecost, the Spirit’s role in prayer, speaking in tongues, and the necessity of the Spirit for true holiness. The author highlights similarities between early Church worship and aspects of present-day Catholic worship. The ten chapters, commencing with the chapter titled “Who is the Holy Spirit,” offer a refreshing and profound understanding of the undeniable reality of the faith experience, drawing extensively from biblical references. The book leads us through the initial encounter at Pentecost and explores its profound influence on the world.Additionally, the book addresses the often misunderstood topic of speaking in tongues or glossolalia. In the present-day Church, the work of the Spirit is channeled through a more complete and uninhibited utilization of the gifts bestowed by the Spirit. All Christians possess these charisms, and so employing them as members of the Body of Christ is essential for facing the challenges of our time.Ultimately, it encourages believers to embrace the Spirit’s Gifts to meet the challenges of today.

The Dialogue of the Seraphic Virgin Catherine of Siena-Translated by Algar Thorold

A New and Abridged Edition (1994.)

St. Catherine of Siena, a celebrated doctor of the Church, was born in 1347 in Siena, Italy. Despite her humble background and lack of formal education, she displayed exceptional spiritual insight from a young age. Catherine experienced divine visions and received the stigmata before her death at 33. Although she never joined a religious order, she became a member of the Dominican Third Order. Her extensive correspondence and the allegorical masterpiece, “The Dialogue of Divine Providence,” showcase her profound spiritual wisdom.  “The Dialogue” was believed to have been dictated between 1377 and 1378, during a state of ecstasy while God the Father spoke to her. The book is structured around four petitions to God, with responses presented metaphorically and allegorically. Catherine’s answers emphasize the importance of cultivating virtue, prayer, and obedience. Her explanations are practical, simple, and relatable, using everyday life imagery. She presents requests for herself, the reformation of the Church, prayers for the world and peace, and Divine Providence for specific concerns. The work focuses on four dominant subjects: Divine Providence, Discretion, Prayer, and Obedience. These provide vital guidance for deepening one’s faith and fostering a close relationship with God.  “The Treatise of Obedience” extols the virtues of obedience and offers guidance to those under the authority of an abbot, priest, or spiritual director. Obedience is portrayed as the key to Heaven, and the soul should bind it to her girdle like a cord. Obedience forgives sins and human shortcomings. In summary, St. Catherine of Siena’s writings, provide profound insights and guidance for living a faithful life. Her spiritual wisdom, expressed through practical examples and relatable imagery, offers lessons on virtue, prayer, and obedience, allowing readers to deepen their relationship with God and navigate the challenges of Christian life.

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Welcome to the June issue of the Magnet Magazine, where we embark on a journey of exploration and inspiration. As we enter the vibrant month of June, with its longer days and warmer weather, we find ourselves embracing the spirit of change and renewal.

A recent video titled Revolutionaries in White highlighting the remarkable example of the SD sisters (Sisters of the Destitute) in Kochi, Kerala who fearlessly ventured into an unsafe slum colony was so touching. This colony was home to people from various religions, facing the harsh realities of unemployment, lack of education, illness, and an unclean environment. The inhabitants of this colony were subjected to drugs, alcohol, and, above all, a large group of children dangerously exposed to drug peddling. The colony was known as the “colony of darkness” before the sisters entered. Initially, the sisters faced resistance and skepticism from the local residents due to their different appearance and background. However, their unwavering commitment, patient love, and acceptance became the foundation of their extraordinary journey. Undeterred by the initial rejection, these sisters chose to stand in solidarity with the marginalized and accompany them through their struggles. Their actions embodied the essence of social friendship, extending a helping hand to those who needed it most. Today, the colony has been transformed into a dwelling place of light. The sisters not only listened to the stories of the people, shared their sorrows, and celebrated their joys, but they also immersed themselves in the daily lives of the slum dwellers, offering a sense of belonging and reassurance. One of the sisters shared that the desire to be with the poorest and people from diverse cultures had been deeply ingrained in her heart.

This sentiment aligns closely with the fundamental teachings of Pope Francis, as emphasized in his encyclical Fratelli Tutti. The principles of interculturality and social friendship that he espouses underscore the profound understanding that true friendship surpasses superficial appearances and transcends cultural and societal barriers. In Fratelli Tutti, Pope Francis calls upon humanity to embrace a spirit of fraternity, recognizing the inherent dignity of every person and fostering genuine connections based on mutual respect, empathy, and solidarity. His teachings emphasize the importance of dialogue, inclusiveness, and compassion in building a more harmonious and interconnected world. By embracing these teachings, we can cultivate a society that cherishes diversity, seeks common ground, and fosters authentic relationships founded on shared humanity.

In this issue, we emphasize the significance of globalization and its role in transcending borders to cultivate meaningful connections within society. The strength of a community lies in its ability to forge lasting relationships among its members. Our cover stories delve into how globalization impacts our world today, emphasizing the intermingling of cultures that calls for forming our sensibilities with sensitivity, love, and friendships. Throughout the articles in this issue, we explore the love with which religious men and women enter into the lives of people, bridging divides and fostering understanding. Their actions serve as a powerful testament to the trans-formative power of compassion and solidarity. By embracing different cultures and backgrounds, we can cultivate an inclusive society that cherishes diversity and promotes harmony. As we dive into the pages of this issue, may we be inspired by the stories of these revolutionaries in white and their commitment to building bridges of friendship and understanding. Let us embrace the call to extend our hands to those in need and forge deep relationships that transcend boundaries. Together, we can create a world where love, compassion, and friendship prevail.

We extend our sincere gratitude to the exceptional team of writers, editors and the team who have poured their hearts and souls into bringing forth another captivating issue of Magnet. Your unwavering commitment, creativity, and hard work have made this publication possible. All the articles meticulously written have contributed to the richness and depth of this issue. We also wish to express our deep appreciation to our esteemed readers who continuously support us and engage with the content we present. We value your presence and feedback, and we invite you to continue sharing your thoughts and suggestions with us.

Pushpa Joseph

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The first of May is a special day in the Catholic Church as it honours St. Joseph – the Worker, who is celebrated around the world in sync with Labour Day. As we reflect on the life of St. Joseph, we are reminded of the words of Pope Francis in his Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde.” The Holy Father described St. Joseph as a “working father” who lived his life in the shadows, quietly supporting and caring for his family.

A Father in the Shadows

 St. Joseph, a silent but fascinating teacher, leads by example with his virtues and great simplicity. The Gospels portray him as the Spouse of Mary and the foster father of Jesus, with Matthew presenting him as a “righteous” man and a descendant of the house of David. His decision to send Mary away secretly upon learning of her pregnancy highlights not only his righteousness but also his kindness and consideration. Despite living in the shadows, Joseph remained faithful to his calling as a husband and father, doing everything expected of him. By all indications, Joseph must have died before the public life of Jesus. It was only in the Middle Ages that the cult around him began to flourish.

Fr G Dolin MMI

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 As Catholics, we must be mindful of our own attitudes towards work, and strive to promote the dignity of work in our own lives and in our communities. This means valuing all types of work, whether it be manual labor or intellectual work, and recognizing the contributions of all workers to our society. By doing so, we can help to create a more just and equitable world, where the dignity of every human person is respected, and the rights of workers are protected. In the following paragraphs we will reflect on the basic principles that contribute to a healthy understanding of work.

The Dignity of Work:

Pope Francis writes in his Apostolic Letter “Patris Corde”, “Those who work are cooperating with God, and in some way become creators of the world around us”. He encourages everyone “to rediscover the value, the importance and the necessity of work for bringing about a new “normal” from which no one is excluded. Also Catholic social teaching and women religious share a common understanding of the dignity of work, which holds that all work, has inherent value and the workers should be treated with respect and justice.

Sr. Elizabeth Rani OP

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My mother often said, “The only way to do great work is to love what you do,” and I have come to strongly believe in her words. She taught me the value of work and how to approach it with love, commitment, and dedication. Labor Day is celebrated on May 1st in honor of St. Joseph the Worker, who taught Jesus the value of hard work. Work provides us with dignity and a sense of worth, and we should be grateful for the gift of work that God has given us. Our work is to nurture what God has created, and Jesus taught us to serve others through our work. As co-workers of God, let us live out this spirituality of work as service.

Understanding the dignity and value of work as service

Work is, in the words of John Paul II ‘a fundamental dimension of human existence on earth’ (Laborem Exercens No. 4).  The Church, in reflecting on the dignity and purpose of human work, offers the faithful a rich vein of social teaching. Therefore, Church teachings rightly remind us of the value of work. Work enhances our human dignity and contributes to the common good of the community, Church and society. St Theresa of Kolkota says, to do ordinary things in an extraordinary way which means to consider work as service and the love we put in it makes our service meaningful and effective.

Sr Benny D’ Cunha UFS

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May Day or International Workers Day is a time to recognize the inherent right and duty of every individual to work. While it is commonly associated with laborers in industries, the concept of work goes beyond these distinctions of ownership and employment. The true meaning of work and being a worker is not limited to this particular holiday and deserves deeper contemplation.

What the Church Says….

According to the teachings of the Church, work is a necessary part of life and a means of personal growth and fulfillment. Pope Francis says in ‘The Joy of Love’ “We were created with a vocation to work… Work is a necessity, part of the meaning of life on this earth, a path to growth, human development and personal fulfilment.” Pope St. John Paul II, says in ‘On Human Work’ emphasizes, “Man must work, both because the Creator has commanded it and because of his own humanity, which requires work in order to be maintained and developed. Man must work out of regard for others, especially his own family, but also for the society he belongs to, the country of which he is a child, and the whole human family of which he is a member, since he is the heir to the work of generations and at the same time a sharer in building the future of those who will come after him in the succession of history.” It is clear from the above observations that  human society must constantly be at work and it is indeed at work constantly.

John Don Bosco

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In this article, Dr Sandra, explores the interconnectedness of women’s work inside and outside the home, and the importance of recognizing and valuing women’s contributions to society. It examines the concept of the “triple role” of women and the various life situations that force women to pursue work for their own survival and that of their families. The article also discusses the role of the church in promoting gender equality and provides practical tips for educating students in recognizing women’s work.

Paid work and Unpaid work

Women’s work is often defined by two categories: paid work and unpaid work. The concept of ‘paid work’ is comprehensible as it fits well into the common definition of work. Unpaid work, however, includes domestic responsibilities like caring for family members and running a household. Unfortunately, this type of work is often overlooked and seen as a woman’s natural duty or act of love, rather than recognized as true work. The traditional view of men as breadwinners and women as homemakers fails to acknowledge the significant and often invisible contributions women make to both their families and the workforce. Economic theories that perpetuate these beliefs have failed to address the interconnectedness of women’s work, leading to structural imbalances and a disconnection between their personal and public lives.

Prof. Sandra Joseph

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Seeking God and trying to understand God’s nature has been an unending effort of the human race in all cultures and religions and in every age and epoch. How God is perceived even within a single monolithic religion may not be the same across all its shades and periods. The Bible is no exception; its contents span a period of about two thousand years and in all probability with different schools of thought existing simultaneously.

Theologians by and large agree that God of the Old Testament is a ‘God of Law’ while God of the New Testament is a ‘God of Love’ and it is true to a great extent. My reading of the Bible tells me that it is only a partial truth; we find five distinct faces of God in the Bible including the above two. So, the God of the Bible is a Panchamukhi.

1. God of Concern (Genesis): Genesis portrays God as a fraternal figure and a caring father meting out only corrective punishment. He created Adam and did not leave him alone; He settled him in Eden. He then created Eve as a partner for him as He felt it is not good for man to be alone always. God did not chase away Adam and his madam at random when they disobeyed God and got dispossessed out of Eden; He made them leather garments for their protection and settled them to the east of Eden.

Fr Alex Mascarenhas SJ

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