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Showing us a medium-sized multi-purpose hall that was getting completed Fr. Eligio Caprioglio, the rector of a Salesian institution at Chieri, a small town in northern Italy told us: “Nine years ago I was sent here to close down this institution. But I have not succeeded! I started with a Novena to Mary Help of Christians and with a prayer to the holy souls in purgatory. The youth centre which used to have about thirty or forty members now has 300 young people frequenting it. Our chapel, which is an official Mass centre of the parish, used to have ten or fifteen people on Sundays. Last Sunday we had First communion of fifty children with over 1200 people attending the mass. The school which was on the decline saw an increase of 50% in the following year and now has almost double the number of students.” Surprised by what he was able to achieve, I asked him privately how he had managed to transform the place. He replied, “Prayer. You need to trust God.” “But how is it that you managed to get more students to seek admission in the school?” I asked. He said, “I had to take some tough steps. I changed the principal and four teachers. I appointed new teachers. I am qualified to be a principal and so I acted as the principal for the first few years. We brought up the quality.“ And he continued, “we might take some steps, but we need to pray so that the steps we take will be the right ones.” He told me also that he has more than a hundred people from all walks of life offering voluntary service for the various activities being conducted there.
“The beginning and the end of all Christian leadership is to give your life for others.”
– Henri J.M. Nouwen

Fr. Eligio bubbled with enthusiasm which was quite contagious. And as we walked around, I saw him bending down to smile at a little child, stop to say hello to a group of children at play, sit down by the side of an old lady for a few minutes to ask her how she was. And winking mischievously he confided, “You know, before I came here the provincial had sent me to another institution to close it down. I did not succeed to close down that either. It is flourishing now!” And as we sat down for lunch, Fr. Eligio was there weaving his way between the tables serving us. Later he was the driver of the mini-bus that took us to the next place.

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Fr Jose Kuttianimattathil, sdb

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Ignatius of Loyola in his Autobiography does not call himself a priest, master, leader, founder etc. Instead he calls himself a pilgrim. It is said that the word pilgrim appears seventy seven (77) times in the Autobiography of St Ignatius. He was a pilgrim because – he was in search of the Divine. He was on a pilgrimage from “ego” to Christ (or the Divine). In doing so he travelled from his mind to the heart. No doubt it was a long journey that he took up in order to reach from the self to the other. They say the longest distance in the world is – from one’s mind to one’s heart! His Autobiography is called Testament and Testimony. It is the Testament because it is the proclamation/expression of faith and it is the Testimony because it is the witness or proof of his faith journey. Now this pilgrim saint leaves behind a precious gift called Daily Examen of Consciousness for our spiritual growth. The pilgrim saint by offering this precious gift to us invites each one of us to be pilgrims in the world of today.
Certainly, it is in my prayer that God gradually reveals Himself to me and the mystery of His Plan for all of reality in Christ enabling me to know and love as the divine persons know and love. It is in prayer that I experience His invitation and challenges to me personally. “You are mine; I have called you by name.” Is.43:1. This is why the examen is prayer and is related to my daily, personal and contemplative prayer. My prayer would be empty if I did not order my life or remove the obstacles or impediments to respond to Him. It is the daily examen that helps me to feel and recognize those interior invitations/movements of the Lord that guide and deepen this ordering/relationship. To be prayerful means to find God in all things not just in the time of formal prayer – even after the formal prayer.

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Fr Richard Mascarenhas SJ

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I was seventeen years old. In a few months I would go to the Salesian novitiate. I told my elder brother—an upright and well-educated man—something negative about a relative. His reply: “Joe, you are just repeating something negative you heard from someone. I don’t believe in giving advice, but I want to tell you this, now that you are on the threshold of adulthood. Think for yourself. Don’t just repeat what you hear.”

An excellent tip. I never heard him talk ill of anyone. It was good he confronted me. I should learn to think for myself and develop my own convictions, rather than repeat what I hear, especially if it is something negative.

No one is perfect.

We all need confrontation—to be challenged lovingly and firmly to be at our best, rather than do evil or stay mediocre.

Confrontation is not the act of humiliating someone or insulting a person. A superior or formator (in our religious circles) has no right to scream and shout at younger members or embarrass them. This sadly happens at times, but it is wrong. Worse still, cruelty and partiality are at times justified in the name of correction and helping the younger members.

The basic norm of morality is to treat others as we want to be treated. None of us likes to be treated unfairly or shouted at or insulted. So, we know how others want to be treated.

One day, when I was teaching in the major seminary, a seminarian told me, “You superiors write reports about us and send them to our bishops. Instead of that, when you see me making a mistake, why don’t you call me privately and correct me?”

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Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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In 2009, I was sent to Stella Maris College in Chennai to pursue my Bachelors in Social Work.  As our Provincialate was in Bangalore, I had to go for a meeting there.  I was returning to Chennai after the meeting, the same evening. As was the custom some of our MSC sisters accompanied each other to the railway station or bus stand when traveling to other cities. However, on this particular occasion, I was leaving alone.  As my bus was at 10:00 PM, I planned to leave the house at 8:30 PM. When my fellow sisters and the Provincial came to bid me farewell, someone questioned why no one was accompanying me. To my surprise, our then Provincial, Sr. Sophy MSC, responded promptly, “She is a Little Lioness; she will manage by herself as she is a courageous sister.” These words have always motivated me. Before writing this article, I decided to look up the meaning of “Little Lioness” on Google.  It described a “humanitarian and generous individual” who endeavors to make the world a better place and possesses the admirable trait of self-sacrifice. I am profoundly grateful to Sr. Sophy for recognizing my potential and placing her faith in me as a young sister. It is through God’s grace and the belief and trust shown by my superiors that I have become the person I am today. Trusting, respecting, and granting women their space is crucial; it empowers them to achieve wonders.

Women are indeed wonder makers. However, Mother Earth, though often referred to with maternal connotations, has sadly become the fourth most dangerous place in the world for women to live in. As a social worker, I have listened to stories of numerous women who face immense challenges and hardships. Shanu, grew up in difficult circumstances with an abusive and alcoholic father and a silent mother. Her early life was marred by fear and loneliness. Despite the distressing environment, she eventually had to marry Anjan to fulfill her mother’s wish. Tragically, Shanu’s marriage became another source of pain as her husband was already in love with someone else, leaving her feeling unwanted and insecure.

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Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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Welcome to LALA Land! Welcome to Los Angeles! Welcome to the land of Hollywood. According to the US News attractions guide from this year, “Los Angeles has an exhaustive array of fun things to do, from the family-friendly La Brea Tar Pits and the must-visit Natural History Museum to a behind-the-scenes studio tour at Universal Studios or Warner Bros. Out-of-towners love the palm-lined streets, star sightings and eclectic vibe. If you’re a film buff, vintage Hollywood is a must-see. Some classic attractions include the TCL Chinese Theatre, the Hollywood Walk of Fame, neon-lit Hollywood Boulevard and Paramount Pictures Studios – the only television and film studio left in Hollywood. For a taste of stardom, head to Beverly Hills to window-shop along pedestrian-friendly Rodeo Drive or cruise the Sunset Strip in search of rock ‘n’ roll. There is also a plethora of shorelines to choose from, including Venice Beach, Zuma Beach and Santa Monica Beach. Art lovers will want to see a show at the state-of-the-art, Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall; admire art from the masters, as well as up-and-coming artists, at the Getty Center; or swing by one-of-a-kind Los Angeles County Museum of Art to admire its collection.”
And it’s all true, just Google the words Los Angeles+tourist+guide and you will get 94,800,000 results in 0.56 seconds. But then Google the words Los Angeles+homelessness and you will get 173,000,000 results in 0.41 seconds. Los Angeles+jail 199,000,000 in 0.40 seconds. Los Angeles+mental health 279,000,000 in 0.53 seconds. Los Angeles+drugs 456,000,000 in 0.42 seconds. Sorry to deceive you, but I do not like this LA of jails, drugs and mentally sick people! It is Ok to have them in Kolkata or Kibera—the biggest slum in Nairobi. But here in Los Angeles? No.

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Br Carmel Duca MC

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“Your brain is pounding and every part of your body aches. You want to rise from the cold concrete sidewalk, but your attempts induce vertigo and you sink back to the ground. Crowds of people stream past you… but most stare straight ahead when they approach you, some even move away, afraid that something might happen if they get too close. Meanwhile the acid in your stomach causes you to groan. It has no food to break down. You never eat regular meals. Then an older man stops and asks your name. He has short, graying hair and kind, tired eyes. His name is Claude Paradis. Claude is a Catholic priest in the archdiocese of Montreal, Canada”.

This is how Peter Rajchert begins his article on this extraordinary Canadian priest in Messenger of St. Anthony (September 2022).

Fr. Claude understands homelessness – all the sufferings and indignities people who live on the streets face, because he has experienced them all.

Born and brought up in the Gaspé region of Canada, he worked in Cowansville as a nurse. Wanting to experience life in a big city, he came to Montreal as a young man. Unable to find a job for months, he was forced to live on the street. “Isolation and despair took hold of me,” he says. He became an alcoholic and a drug addict. In a city of more than a million people, Claude felt he was all alone and that he did not belong. He decided to commit suicide and attempted to end his life three times.

Doctors saved his life and decided to send him to a psychiatric institution. But after he was discharged, he roamed the streets of Montreal, as he had nowhere to go. One night he saw the glowing lights and the open doors of an old chapel, called Notre Dame de Lourdes (Our Lady of Lourdes). An encounter happened that night in the chapel. Claude entered and knelt down and asked God to give him a purpose to live or just end his life.

Our God is a God of life, isn’t he? So God gave him a purpose to live – to become a priest and serve his people. Claude joined the seminary and, after several years of priestly formation, was ordained a priest in 1997. After his ordination he could have asked to serve in a parish in the vast archdiocese of Montreal. But he did not. He joined Fr Emmett Johns, the founder of ‘Dans la Rue’ – a programme to reach out to homeless youth and give them a shelter.

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Fr. M.A. Joe Antony, SJ

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I am Sister Zaina, a young religious. In my classes on the vow of poverty, I learned that the vow of poverty implies being “poor in reality and in spirit”. Can you explain the canonical nuances of the vow?

The vow of poverty, as taken by religious men and women, often raises questions among people who observe them living in well-established communities, running schools, hospitals, and having access to basic necessities. To truly grasp the canonical implications of this vow, we can turn to Canon 600 of the Code of Canon Law (CIC). “The evangelical counsel of poverty in imitation of Christ who, although he was rich, was made poor for us, entails, besides a life which is poor in fact and in spirit and is to be led productively in moderation and foreign to earthly riches, a dependence and limitation in the use and disposition of goods according to the norm of the proper law of each institute”.

The vow of poverty is a voluntary choice made by every religious person, inspired by their desire to closely follow the example of Jesus, who embraced a life of simplicity and poverty. In the context of consecrated life, this canonical commitment entails two aspects: (i) living in both material and spiritual poverty, and (ii) accepting dependence and limitations in the use and control of material goods. To truly embody the essence of poverty in both reality and spirit, those who take this vow commit to living simply, foregoing personal ownership of properties and relinquishing the possession of their own salary. More than mere absence of material possessions, being “poor in spirit” indicates a profound detachment from worldly goods, reflecting their inner disposition towards the things of this world.

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Sr Navya Thattil OSF

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In this conversation with Janina Gomes, Mrs. Rita Luther shares how her journey within Catholic institutions not only shaped her character into one of resilience but also empowered her to actively contribute to righteous and just causes. She firmly believes that her experiences within these institutions were instrumental in nurturing her sense of purpose and driving her commitment to making a positive difference in the world.

1. Your early education was in a Catholic school in Jamshedpur. What values do you think you picked up there?

I believe that who we become in our adult lives is the result of the seeds sown when we are children. As such, I am who my school and my home taught me to be, both specifically and spontaneously. Sacred Heart, where I was blessed to study right through my school days, gave me security, a strong sense of values and fair play, an all-round education and much joy!

2. You worked in Xavier Labour Relations Institute (XLRI) in Jamshedpur. Considering you were then still in your formative years, how did that equip you for life?

I worked in the Research Department of XLRI for two years. I was hired for secretarial and administrative work; however, my seniors, American Jesuit priests, didn’t hesitate to use my skills in areas where I could be put to better use. As a result, I soon started editing and proofreading Fr. McGrath’s labour law journals, Fr. Dawson’s book as well, even transcribing important interviews. I was treated with respect, age no bar! (I was 22 then.)

3. How would you sum up your learning at XLRI?

Working at XLRI was a happy time for me. I was earning (it was my first job) and learning at the same time, a double whammy! Constant work-related learning, positive attitudes, and a great work environment, all have served me in good stead for later.

I learnt that one could work hard and really well when the work environment was conducive to its being so; I learnt that I could deal with stress simply by going to the root cause and asking for help where needed, that small differences existed but were not important in the larger scheme of things in life.  I also learnt that fun and laughter didn’t mean one wasn’t serious, but rather that the lightness they brought to life was something like baking powder to a cake, improving the final result of things!

4. What is the general impression you have of Christians and Christianity?

Christians and Christianity were not distinct nor different in my book when I was growing up; nor are they now. Ours was a peace-loving school where the religion of principles, discipline and excellence was taught. We studied Moral Science as a subject in school, our Catholic friends studied Catechism. We visited the school chapel of our own accord, not forced and never disallowed. All respect also to my grandparents who, even being Arya Samaj Hindus, taught us that the focus needed to be on inherent goodness, fair play and integrity, rather than on outward differences.

Where I lived, our neighbours were from different communities – Bengali, Tamilian, Goan, Punjabi; different religions – Christian, Sikh, Muslim, Hindu, Jewish and I can’t even remember how many others. We were there for one another, and while we had our own religious beliefs, they neither affected our relationships nor our friendships.

I find it sad that we compartmentalise our preferences, likes and dislikes now on the basis of religion. Humans are not made that way – that one kind is good, another evil, yet another cruel, etc. It’s the qualities we need to identify and correct.

5. You have worked for the corporate world for over 30 years, in leading positions of responsibility. In what way have you contributed to making the corporate world more humane?

My contribution is not even a tiny drop in the ocean; however, there is a thread of goodness and ethics woven into what we teach and the way we, as trainers, behave and train. Making ‘being humane’ a way of life is more how I would put it.

6. You also have vast teaching experience. How much did you and your students gain from your teaching experience, in the American Embassy school in New Delhi and as headmistress of the De Nobili Hostel School run by the American Jesuits in Dhanbad, Jharkhand?

It’s been decades since both of the above took place, but I still treasure the happy feedback and many testimonials received, most often relating to excellence of work, and the qualities of creativity and fun.

At the American Embassy School, for instance, when I wanted to resign because I needed to be home when my daughters came back from school in the afternoons, the Principal asked if I could consider working half days. I gladly agreed and he was glad too, saying that the students needed me for the balance of good study and ethical well-being that I provided them. This was a powerful comment because the very same person had reservations about hiring someone non-American (when I was interviewed for the position), saying then that they needed someone with a strong sense of American values and culture.

De Nobili Hostel School was set up for Catholic children from homes with difficulties of some kind; a fully-fledged school with Matriculation and ICSE options. When the Jesuit head moved, the selection committee, from a candidate panel of three, selected me to take over. While I was honoured to be considered for the post, I put across my concerns regarding working on weekends and school holidays (having little children of my own), but the Jesuits were considerate, very sure I was the right person for the job! The school kids grew as all-rounders (they were already very talented), realised that study was important too, and learnt that they had the support of a headmistress who would fight for their rights.

On my part, I learnt that even as a woman, it was okay to fight, as long as the cause was right and the means used, acceptable! This was a huge learning experience.

7. Describe in a few words your spiritual journey from when you were born till today.

I’m glad the word you use is ‘spiritual’ because that’s really what I am, not too overtly religious. I was born an Arya Samaj Hindu, studied in a Catholic school, married a Christian, and worked in Catholic institutions of repute in various positions. Very happily, I might add! (In fact, an American boss of mine, a Jesuit priest, sometimes jokingly referred to me as ‘half a priest’!)

I am open to receiving learning from all faiths, respect all religions and spiritual ways of life – qualities that allow me to absorb goodness freely.

8. You now head a team of trainers for training the corporate world. Do you also teach moral values and ethical conduct to your clients?

We run a training company where organisations ask for training on subjects that their employees need; when asked, we train corporate houses on ethics and on adhering to codes of right conduct. Our behaviour – the way we professionally conduct ourselves in our interactions and various assignments – is the value-based training we do.

9. What would you tell businesspersons about what is most important for the corporate world today?

Work for organisations where you respect, or at least agree with company values. In the long term, one cannot be at peace working where one may be asked to do what one feels is wrong or unfair. Money and material success is good, undoubtedly, but it isn’t everything and doesn’t beat peace of mind!

10. Do you think the work done by Christian institutions for the people is sufficiently recognised in India today?

No, it isn’t, definitely not enough, anyway. We’re all quick to lap up the accolades showered upon us for the way we speak, carry ourselves, work and behave, without consciously realising and acknowledging that our academic backgrounds were actually our take-off points towards that success.

11. In your opinion, what can the Church do to better serve the needs of a changing world?

Nobody, and definitely not I, can even dare have an opinion on the sacred Church, or any other religion, for that matter. Having said that, I would like to add that religions (like parents), need to grow with the changing times, not to go against their principles, but to bring in flexibility, where it is at all possible. This will benefit followers and religious authorities alike.

12. Is there anything else you would like to add?

‘To thine own self be true’

This learning has come to me late in life – and I’m still learning! Earlier I would worry about what others thought, how I appeared to others, even how I looked. It’s so much easier and definitely more worthwhile to work towards being the best that God wants me to be and live life a day at a time.

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  Mrs Rita Luther Speaks
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The CRI Mumbai Unit, under the leadership of Sr. Cyrilla FSMA, President, and Sr. Rosely DSP, Secretary,  organized highly relevant and engaging sessions on 8^th  and 9^th  of July 2023. The event took place at both Divine Child High School and Nirmala Niketan, thoughtfully organized to accommodate participants from both North and South Mumbai.  The sessions centered around the captivating and insightful topic, “Social Media and its Impact on Religious Today: Digital Life in the 21st Century and Behavioral Problems of Young Sisters and Brothers.” The charismatic presence of Dr. (Fr) Paul Pudussery CSC from Guwahati, a renowned orator and expert in his field, held the rapt attention of the eager audience. A total of 115 participants from Andheri and 90 from Churchgate were held spellbound by Fr. Paul’s engaging discourse, which extended from 10:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. on the respective days. His unique blend of apt music, compelling content, and entertaining videos ensured an enriching experience for all present. The captivating sessions delved into the profound impact of the 21st century’s Information Technology era and how the world has undergone a trans-formative shift, particularly concerning religious life.

Fr. Paul eloquently highlighted the significance of strategic planning and continuous learning for religious individuals, especially in the face of challenges posed by a decline of religious vocations in Asia. Emphasizing the power and potential of social media as a tool for religious engagement, Fr. Paul underscored the importance of media literacy in the context of our rapidly changing world. Today, knowledge is dynamic, de-institutionalized, and inter or intra-disciplinary, demanding critical thinking and computational skills for making well[1]informed decisions. In a world where accountability and responsibility have become paramount, Fr. Paul urged religious individuals to move beyond the blame game and instead take ownership of their roles as messengers of God’s presence. Being media-literate and re-educating ourselves is the call of the hour, as we must navigate the digital landscape wisely without hindering the younger generation’s religious growth.

The pedagogy of religious communities must adapt to the changing times, as media becomes an essential tool for imparting spiritual wisdom and insights. Drawing inspiration from the profound words of Pope Francis, Fr. Paul reminded the attendees that the religious life should exemplify God’s presence, reflecting humility, generosity, and self-forgetfulness as a counter-culture of spirituality. Addressing the challenges faced by religious communities today, Fr. Paul delved into issues of leadership, mission dilution, fear, and a lack of skill and competency. To embrace a new world, old patterns must be broken, and unity should prevail over individual congregations. By engaging with people joyfully and speaking their language, religious communities can become a united force for positive change in this Post-Truth Era and amidst global gatherings like the G20.

The call for transformation and excellence is clear, as religious individuals must strive to be the best versions of themselves, leveraging social media responsibly to foster authentic relationships and disseminate valuable information. It is a plea to avoid becoming slaves to technology but rather to use it as a means to enhance connections and advance the greater good. In conclusion, the sessions in Mumbai served as a powerful reminder of the imperative to embrace change, to adapt and evolve in the face of a rapidly evolving world. As religious individuals, we must rise above the challenges, equip ourselves with knowledge, wisdom, and compassion, and use social media as a tool to uplift humanity by building bridges of love and understanding. Let us walk forward, hand in hand, as one united group, and together, herald a new era of hope and enlightenment.

United in Prayer: Seeking Peace and Mercy for Manipur

In times of difficulty and persecution, Pope Francis reminds us of the power of prayer to bring strength and unity to the Church. Praying together, interceding for our suffering people as Esther of the Old Testament did is a prophetic act.  Just as the early Christian community joined in fervent prayer during their moment of crisis, we, too, as Mumbai CRI unit united in prayer on 25^th June in unison before the Blessed Sacrament in our chapels for the land of Manipur and its suffering people.

May our prayers ignite a trans-formative force, uniting us as one human family, transcending borders and divisions. In our prayers, we ask God to grant wisdom and guidance to those in positions of authority, that they may work diligently to bring about peace and justice in Manipur. Let us also pray for the aid workers and peacemakers who selflessly serve the affected communities, bringing hope amidst despair. As we unite in prayer, we place our trust in the unfathomable mercy and love of God, knowing that through faith and prayer, miracles can happen. May the Lord hear our cries for Manipur and bless its people with the gift of peace that surpasses all understanding. May our collective prayers be a powerful force for transformation and healing in the troubled land of Manipur.

Dr (Sr) Mudita Menona Sodder RSCJ

Mumbai.

A Prayer for Manipur

In the heart of Manipur, where mountains touch the sky,

Amidst the fields of beauty, where troubled spirits lie,

We gather here in prayer, with hope that never dies,

To lift our souls in unity, beneath Heaven’s watchful eyes.

Oh, Divine Light above, shine upon this land,

Where sorrow’s tears have fallen, like grains of desert sand,

In every troubled heart, plant seeds of hope anew,

And let them bloom and flourish, with colors bright and true.

Guide us through the darkness, as shadows haunt the night,

With courage as our armor, we’ll rise to claim the light,

May unity embrace us, like rivers to the sea,

Connecting every soul, in bonds of love and glee.

Where violence once did linger, let peace now take its place,

With every step we tread, we’ll leave a trace of grace,

Oh, Providence, surround us, with wings of love and care,

And let your gentle presence, alleviate despair.

In every corner of this land, let laughter freely soar,

Releasing hearts from burden, like eagles high above,

Embrace the broken-hearted, mend wounds with tender art,

Oh, Healing Spirit, bless us, with hope that springs from the heart.

With hands held tight together, we’ll build a brighter day,

Where hope’s eternal flame, will never fade away,

For in this sacred moment, united we shall stand,

As one, for dear Manipur, we’ll change its fate by hand.

So let this prayer resound, like echoes in the breeze,

Across the hills and valleys, beneath the ancient trees,

May hope become a beacon, a guide for all to see,

That through the darkest moments, hope shall set us free.

Oh, Great and Gracious One, who hears our every plea,

In your embrace of mercy, we find our sanctuary,

Bless Manipur with hope, and let compassion flow,

From every heart, a river, of love and hope to sow.

And when the dawn awakens, a new day will be born,

With hope’s sweet song resounding, a symphony adorned,

In unity, we’ll rise, like morning’s gentle sun,

With hope for dear Manipur, our victory is won.

-Teresa Joseph –

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David (1997) Runtime: 190 Minutes

Director- Robert Markowitz

Cast: Nathaniel Parker, Jonathan Pryce, Leonard Nimoy, Sheryl Lee, Ben Daniels

“David” tells the epic story of David, the founder king of Israel. The narrative follows David’s journey from an insignificant young shepherd boy to a powerful ruler, fulfilling the ancient promise of establishing a kingdom. Set in the Promised Land, the Israelites are surrounded by formidable enemies such as the Amalekites and Philistines. The story begins with Saul, anointed by the prophet Samuel to lead the Israelites against the Philistines. However, tensions arise between Saul and Samuel, leading to their falling out. In the meantime, Samuel secretly anoints David, the son of Jesse, as the future king. David gains hero status by defeating the Philistine warrior Goliath with a slingshot. Despite marrying Saul’s daughter, David faces Saul’s jealousy and numerous attempts on his life. Following Saul’s death in battle, David ascends to the throne, but his reign is filled with challenges. His lustfulness and treachery bring curses upon him, and his own family witnesses violence and betrayal. David remains steadfast in his humble submission to God throughout these trials. Although he desires to build a temple in Jerusalem, God denies him this privilege, promising that his son Solomon would fulfill that dream. The movie incorporates David’s prayers from the psalms, which reflect his emotions and experiences during various moments in his life. Overall, “David” explores the rise and establishment of one of Israel’s greatest kings, showcasing both his triumphs and struggles.

*****

Diary of a Country Priest (1951) Runtime: 115 minutes

Director: Robert Bresson

Cast: Claude Laydu,  Jean Danet, Yvette Etiévant, Adrien Borel,  Nicole Ladmiral, Martine Lemaire, Nicole Maurey

“Diary of a Country Priest” is a highly acclaimed French film adaptation of Georges Bernanos’s classic Catholic novel. Set in 1930s regional France, it portrays the life of a young parish priest facing numerous challenges and chronicling his experiences in a diary. The priest, whose name remains unknown, is assigned to the village of Ambricourt, where he encounters indifference, hostility, scandal, and wavering faith among the townsfolk. Suffering from an undiagnosed illness, the priest survives on meager sustenance like cheap wine and bread. Despite feeling like a prisoner in the lonely village, he remains dedicated to his pastoral duties. Another priest advises him not to expect love but to maintain order. Only one parishioner, Miss Louise, the governess to the Count’s rebellious daughter Chantal, attends daily Mass. As the priest tries to address the problems within the Count’s family, including the affair between the Count and Louise, he faces the Count’s disapproval. The Countess, burdened by family troubles and grieving the loss of her son, questions God’s justice. The priest counsels her to show mercy to herself and accept God’s grace. The Countess eventually finds peace and passes away. However, Chantal spreads scandalous rumors about the priest, falsely accusing him of tormenting her mother before her death. Despite possessing a letter of thanks from the deceased Countess, the priest chooses not to defend himself. As his condition worsens, he visits a doctor in Lille and receives a cancer diagnosis. Instead of returning to his parish, the priest stays with a sick former classmate who is cared for by a woman. In his final moments, the priest seeks absolution from his friend, uncertain of its appropriateness. His friend’s concerns are dismissed with the priest’s last words: “What does it matter? All is Grace.”

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