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Not Broken (2021) Runtime 71 minutes

Director: Lauren Havel

Cast: Anne Marie Ryan, Natalie King, Kyra Wilson, Rosaia Wilson

“Not Broken” is a film that follows the life of Winter Knight, a dyslexic but talented girl who struggles to find her place in the world. Winter’s love for drawing is discouraged by her anxious mother, who believes it won’t lead to a successful career. Despite her mother’s efforts, Winter struggles in the conventional education system and fails in multiple jobs. The film does an excellent job of highlighting the frustration and sense of inadequacy that many individuals with learning disabilities experience, particularly when trying to fit into a system that doesn’t cater to their needs. Winter’s struggles with reading and writing are relatable to anyone who has ever struggled with learning, while her perseverance and determination to find her place in the world are inspiring.

As the film progresses, Winter’s talents and abilities shine through in unexpected ways, such as when she starts drawing customers’ faces on coffee cups at a coffee shop. Her art becomes a way for her to connect with others and to make a meaningful contribution to the world. One of the most touching aspects of the film is Winter’s friendship with an old lady suffering from partial dementia. Through their friendship, Winter discovers her love for helping others and finds a sense of purpose that had eluded her for so long.  When the old lady passes away, Winter meets her daughter, who is an art dealer and helps her start her artistic career. In the end, Winter and her mother reconcile, and Winter finally finds her place in the world.

Overall, “Not Broken” is a powerful and uplifting film that celebrates the resilience and creativity of individuals with learning disabilities. The film is a must-see for anyone who has ever felt like they didn’t quite fit in and a testament to the power of perseverance, creativity, and human relationships.

Of Fathers and Sons (2018) Run time 56 minutes

Director- Talal Derki

Appearances- Tia Alkerdi, Yara Ibrahim, Abu Osama, Ayman Osama, Osama Osama.

“Of Fathers and Sons” is a thought provoking documentary that sheds light on the disturbing reality of child soldiers in war-torn Syria. The film follows the life of a jihadist family living in the Northern Syrian province of Idlib, under the Al-Nusra Front, an Al Qaeda affiliate. Director Talal Derki poses as a war photographer sympathetic to the jihadist cause to gain access to the family and document their lives over a period of two years. The result is a chilling portrait of a family indoctrinated in a radical ideology, and the profound effect it has on their children. The film is a stark reminder of the brutal reality of life in a war zone, where innocent children are systematically groomed to become killers. Abu Osama, the patriarch of the family, is a sniper and mine detector expert who takes pride in naming his sons Osama, Ayman, and Mohammad, after notorious terrorist leaders. Abu Osama and his fellow militants are shown to be brutally training their young sons to become jihadists, teaching them to shoot guns and execute hostages. The boys are also taught to make bombs and handle explosives, and they are made to watch public beheadings as a matter of routine. The documentary offers a sobering glimpse into the psyche of these militant fathers, who view their sons as the next generation of fighters for the caliphate. It also exposes the horrific impact of war on innocent children, who are forced to grow up too quickly, stripped of their childhood and any semblance of a normal life. The film highlights the absence of education, family affection, and basic human rights in this conflict zone. It is a stark reminder of the terrible human cost of war and the devastating impact it has on the lives of innocent children caught in the crossfire.

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The End of Christendom (1980)-Malcolm Muggeridge

The End of Christendom by Malcolm Muggeridge is a thought-provoking book that examines the decline of Christendom and the abiding nature of Christianity. The author argues that Christendom is vastly different from Christ and that the former is a sociopolitical construct that has declined while the latter remains enduring. Muggeridge provides historical context for the decline of Christendom, including the Enlightenment, colonialism, internecine conflicts, modern liberalism, and materialism. Through a mixture of delightful humor, wit, and probing judgments, Muggeridge goes to the heart of Western culture’s sickness. He draws inspiration from the insights of Pascal, Dostoevsky, and Solzhenitsyn to support his argument that Christendom is subject to decline and desolation. Despite his pessimism about human systems, Muggeridge expresses infinite confidence in the ultimate loving purposes of God. The author’s voice assumes a prophetic power as he draws inspiration from the insights of these great thinkers. He argues that as Christians, we should rejoice in the decay of institutions and instruments of power because it is precisely when every earthly hope has been explored and found wanting that Christ’s hand reaches out sure and firm. Muggeridge’s book is a prophetic voice that offers insight into the root causes of Western culture’s sickness and provides hope in the ultimate triumph of God’s truth. The book concludes with Pascal’s reflection on the paradoxes of the human condition and the only satisfactory answer being knowledge of God.

 In summary, “The End of Christendom” is an insightful book that provides historical context for the decline of Christendom and offers hope in the ultimate triumph of God’s truth. Muggeridge’s prophetic voice draws inspiration from the insights of great thinkers and offers a thought[1]provoking reflection on the nature of Christianity in the modern world.

The Book of All Books (2022)-Roberto Calasso

Roberto Calasso’s, The Book of all Books is a masterpiece that presents a unique combination of narrative, commentary, and a broad epic sweep of the Old Testament, going beyond it. It is an engaging read, rich with the author’s vast erudition, deep insight into the mysteries and enigmas of the Bible, and rendered in modern language. The book takes the reader on a journey through the web of events, characters, and situations that are familiar to us through the Hebrew Old Testament narratives, starting with Genesis to the New Testament, Jewish Talmud, and includes references from early church fathers, apocryphal writings, ancient myths, secular history, and modern psychology. Calasso weaves them together into an engaging narrative, drawing various themes together but never veering away from the Bible focus. The book begins with a short chapter “The Torah in Heaven” referring to the ancient myth of the Torah as “Yahweh’s only Daughter” before the creation of the world. It then moves on to the Book of Samuel, David, Solomon, and the decline of the Kingdom of Israel, moving back to the time of Abraham, forward to Moses, and the settlement of the promised Land, and so forth. Observations of Bible characters and historical events provide refreshing insights into the key Bible themes such as the question of sacrifice, election, separation, evil, suffering, punishment, promises and prophecy, the messianic mission, and redemption. As the narrative moves back and forth through history, the Bible and its whole outline emerge in a new light. It often astonishes us by offering answers to questions that the ordinary readers of the Bible might find difficult. Anyone interested in the Bible, whether as a believer or simply as a student of literature and history, would find this book a valuable read.

Prof Gigy Joseph
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The beauty of nature in May is something to behold! The world comes alive, with flowers and trees bursting with colour and vitality. The birds return, and the air is filled with their sweet songs. The warm sun on our skin and the fresh scent of blooming flowers remind us of the beauty of life and gives us hope for the future. We should take time to appreciate the natural world around us and take steps to savour and protect it.

For Catholics, May is a special month of devotion to our Lady and the Rosary. The Rosary is a powerful prayer that allows us to reflect on the life of Jesus. Our Lady is a symbol of Grace, selfless giving, and strength, and many look to her for inspiration and guidance.

May is also a time to honour St Joseph the worker, who exemplifies the virtues of hard work, dedication, and gentleness. On International Workers Day, we celebrate the contributions of workers around the world and reflect on the need for fair wages, safe working conditions, and respect for human dignity in the workplace.

In some countries, May is referred to as the month of smiles. This is a time to celebrate the joy of life and the importance of spreading positivism and kindness. A smile can make a world of difference in the lives of people, especially those who may be going through difficult times. When we smile, we communicate our warmth, acceptance, and love to those around us. Smiling is contagious, and it can create a ripple effect of joy and happiness in the world.

In this edition, we have centered our focus on the theme of work and workers, exploring various perspectives that shed light on the reality of labour and the dignity of work. Our intention is to highlight the contributions of individuals, both men and women, who devote their lives to serving others through their work. Through work, we can contribute to society, develop our skills and talents, and find a sense of purpose and meaning in life. One of the articles in this edition focuses on sexual abuse of Children within family, where Sister Lini, shares the challenges she has faced in supporting these children and the dilemma they face due to the shroud of secrecy surrounding such issues in our society. In another article on Life at the Margins, Brother Carmel takes us into the complex world of the Maras, a gang that lives a life of cultural and social imprisonment. In this world, joy and happiness are often non-existent, and Brother Carmel’s presence brings a unique touch of human connection to their otherwise desolate lives. There are other articles that explore the trans-formative power of forgiveness and the hope it generates in the lives of the children, men, and women who are served by our religious brothers and sisters. These stories serve as a reminder of the importance of serving others and spreading joy wherever we go.

As we read through the articles in this issue of Magnet, let us be inspired by the example of men and women religious who dedicate their lives to serving others and spreading joy in the world. May we all be encouraged to make a positive impact in our communities, to spread joy and kindness, and to brighten someone’s day with a simple smile.

Before closing, I would like to extend my sincere gratitude to all the writers and the editorial team for their hard work and dedication in putting together this issue of Magnet. Your contributions have shed light on important topics and inspired us to make a positive impact in the world. Thank you for your creativity, passion, and commitment to excellence. We look forward to reading more of your work in the future.

Lastly, I want to thank all the readers who have taken the time to write to the editor and share their thoughts with us. Your feedback is invaluable, and we appreciate your engagement with our magazine. We hope you enjoy this issue and are inspired by the stories within. Happy reading.

Pushpa Joseph,

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Quite a few times I have read and recited the prayer, “Soul of Christ” (Anima Christi) both in my bliss and torments, I could narrowly comprehend every other sentence from the prayer except “within your wounds hide me”.  But in the long run, the same sentence turned out to be my favorite.

Four years ago, I joined the pre-novitiate of the Society of Jesus (The Jesuits). It was an ecstatic moment for me, but a startling one for my parents. I was physically fit and emotionally steady; but I had come in quest of the word “Happiness”. I had learnt that it is in God that I can find perpetual happiness. As I was in the pursuit of happiness, God granted me the gift of perpetual pain and misery through the dislocation of my left knee patella! Is it once? No, the Lord was not pleased… My left knee patella was dislocated three times and there was no other alternative than to go in for surgery. Did the agony of pain vanish with this surgery? Surely not! At the end of the 2^nd year of the Pre-Novitiate, to be exact, just a day before the surgery of the left knee, God felt that it was sufficient! Once again, He blessed me to partake in the sufferings of his Son through the dislocation of my right knee patella.

Novice Vivek Clitus D’Souza

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The Easter story, which commemorates the Resurrection of Jesus Christ, is a cornerstone of the Christian faith. While much attention is given to the accounts of the male disciples and their experiences during this event, the role of women in the Easter story is often overlooked. However, the Gospels provide several accounts of women playing crucial roles in the events surrounding the Resurrection, from being the first witnesses to the empty tomb to receiving the first post[1]Resurrection appearances of Jesus. In this discussion, we will explore the involvement of women in the Easter story and how their presence and contributions were vital to the foundation of the Christian faith.

Active Role of Women in the Gospels

Throughout the New Testament, we see examples of women who were actively involved in Jesus’ ministry. One of the most prominent examples is Mary Magdalene, who was one of Jesus’ most devoted followers. She is mentioned twelve times in the Canonical Gospels, and in the Gospel of John, she is the first person to witness the Resurrected Jesus. As Jesus was being crucified, women were present at the foot of the cross, demonstrating their willingness to stand by Him until the end. Through their encounter with Jesus, they found the freedom to continue following Him, even in the face of great suffering and persecution. Their unwavering commitment to Jesus serves as a powerful example of the transformative power of faith.

Sr. Elizabeth Rani OP

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For me, the Resurrection is the experience of being loved intimately by Jesus. A time came in my life where I was deeply moved by the love and forgiveness of Jesus. A few years ago, I found myself in the wrong company and although everything seemed fine at first, I eventually realized that I was on the wrong path. This realization left me feeling lost and fumbling, like St. Peter in the sea of Galilee. It took me several months to get back on track, but through prayer, I had a profound encounter with the love and forgiveness of Jesus, similar to the disciples at Emmaus. This encounter continues to resonate with me to this day, and I no longer feel any regret or guilt about what happened. Instead, I experience a deep sense of peace and forgiveness from Jesus. This encounter is a reminder to me of the transformative power of the resurrection of Jesus in our lives.

Resurrection Experience in religious formation:

• Resurrection Experience: The Resurrection is not just a past event, but a continual source of power in our daily lives. It brings us freedom to face our challenges and gives us hope in Jesus, which is the greatest joy we can experience. When our formees undergo discernment to make better choices, it is a struggle. They engage in an internal search to align their will with God’s will and seek to understand their calling. The Resurrection of Jesus empowers our formees to undergo the struggle of discernment, align their will with God’s will, and fulfill their calling.

Sr Benny D’Cunha UFS

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If you are the typical MAGNET reader, you belong to a Catholic religious order. You do not have to worry about whether you will have enough food to eat, or how to pay your medical bills. Or even how to pay rent, or fees if you are a student. We, religious, are among the most financially secure persons in India.

Do you think now and then at least, about the people around you? How many of them, do you think, get adequate food? How many earn enough to get proper medical treatment when they are sick? How many can afford to send their children to a good school?

Here are a couple of shocking statistics:

Out of the Indian children, forty-eight percent are malnourished. That is, about half of the  children in India do not get enough food. This affects not only their physical health, but also their mental development.

Twenty-two percent are stunted, that is, too small for their age.

The reason is not that their parents do not want to feed them, nor that they do not know how. The plain and sad truth is that most Indians do not earn enough to buy adequate food or get proper treatment, or send their children to the schools where they would like to study.

What is called “news” is generally about politicians and other “big shots.” The poor (who are the majority) do not get attention.

Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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“The act of listening anchored by LOVE strengthens the bond of being together forever…”

When the two ears are put side by side, it forms the shape of the heart. Interestingly, the word “ear” sits right in the middle of the word “h-ear-t”. This indicates that the ear becomes the way to the heart. The function of the ear is listening. Therefore, listening as an art is also the way to the heart.

LOVE = ear to h-ear-t = LOVE 

LOVE is all that you listen to depending on what intention, motivation, conviction and passion that we engage in it. LOVE involves listening. It’s the tremendous gift of God. It’s the miraculous action that makes the difference in the life of oneself and others.

Can you imagine LOVE without the act of listening?

Absolutely, not. Our life experiences teach us that love involves the act of listening. Listening happens to oneself and also to others. For the beloved, the words of his/her loved one get engraved in the heart; whoever they be couples, young lovers, families etc.- The words make a huge impact on one’s life. The ears are sharp, 100% attentive and alert when listening to the beloved.

“The act of listening anchored by LOVE strengthens the bond of being together forever.” This applies to any sort of relationship- friends, lovers, couples and others.

 CL Uday Kumar SDB

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The crimes committed against minority groups in our country are truly appalling, and it’s especially distressing to see how vulnerable Adivasi and minority Christian women are in the face of religious discrimination. In December 2022, tribal Christians in the Naranpur and Kondagaon districts of Chhattisgarh were subjected to horrific violence. The Christmas season, which is supposed to be a time of joy and celebration, was marred by fear and violence in the Bastar region of Chhattisgarh. Around 1500 to 2000 men, women, and children were forced to flee their villages, leaving behind everything they knew and loved. The women, in particular, were subjected to unimaginable trauma and abuse, with elderly and pregnant women being beaten with sticks and kicked by the mob. Despite seeking help from the police and authorities, many of their complaints went unregistered, leaving these victims without any form of protection or support.

 A woman victim says, “In my village when meetings were held, I was warned not to go for Sunday prayers. On December 27, they dragged my husband there and started beating him. They kicked him as though he was a football, each player taking a turn. Six women relatives of the village leaders caught me. The men were telling them to teach me a lesson, hurling filthy abuses at me. My blouse was torn, my hair pulled, my head punched repeatedly and I was pushed to the ground.  Eleven women who are believers in my village, including a teenager, faced similar torture. They said if you want to live in peace ‘ghar waapas’ (come back) to our Samaj. I said, I have done no wrong, except attending prayer meetings.”

Sr. Lalita Roshni Lakra, DSA

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The National Executive Meet of the Conference of Religious India (CRI) held from 2-4th March 2023 at CRI House, Delhi, was a highly significant event, attended by around 28 members, including the National President Sr Nirmalini AC, the Vice Presidents of the brothers’ and priests’ sections Bro T Amalan FSC and Fr Thomas Thekkel CMI, and the National Secretary Sr Elsa Muttathu PBVM, who had made all the arrangements for the meeting along with the CRI staff.

The meeting focused on important issues such as discerning leadership, reports on CRI’s initiatives, and sharing of plans and activities from different regions. One of the most notable highlights of the gathering was the orientation to discerning leadership. The members were given an insight into the importance of critical discernment at a time when the call to become prophetic and creative leaders is being felt urgently in our milieu.

Another important aspect of the meeting was the presentation of the report by the National Secretary Sr Elsa. The report focused on the initiatives undertaken by the CRI in shaping the journey of the religious for a prophetic contribution to society and the Church. The report covered various areas such as finance, membership, projects, and initiatives and also discussed some of the challenges faced and the steps taken to overcome them. The members appreciated the efforts made by the National Secretary and discussed ways to build on the successes achieved so far.

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