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As far as management of the finance is concerned, if we look around, we can see a number of problems faced by us, the Church personnel and organizations – lack of resources, inefficient management of existing resources, increasing overhead charges, resource mismanagement, lack of capacity building, lack of performance measurement, etc.  We face these problems because financial management is given such a low priority or there is nothing called financial management at all in our way of procedure. This is often due to lack of adequate knowledge and poor financial planning and monitoring systems.

The Need for Financial Management

Many of us concentrate only on implementing projects that cater to the needs of the deprived people and in the process, we do not pay enough attention to financial control at all. It is often too late when we realize that such negligence has resulted in a huge financial loss. In other words, we could not prevent what could have been prevented. Hence, Financial Management is of critical importance.

Importance of Financial Management

For us too, like any other organization, Financial Management is a very important area, because:

• it is the key to achieving our objectives
• it enhances our credibility
• it enables us to be accountable to the donors
• it eliminates fraud and theft
• it strengthens our fund-raising efforts
• it helps us to make productive decisions
• it ensures the future sustainability of the organization

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 Fr Alex G SJ

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In his autobiography Gandhiji narrates an incident which happened during the first year of his high school studies when he was about thirteen years old.  Mr. Giles, the Educational Inspector who came to the school, gave a spelling test.  Gandhi misspelt the word “kettle.”  The class teacher poked him with his boots prompting him to copy the spelling from his neighbour’s slate.  But Gandhi could not bring himself to copy.  The result was that all the boys except Gandhi were found to have spelt all the words correctly.  And Gandhi appeared stupid.  Speaking of his school days Gandhi remarks: “I do not remember having ever told a lie … either to my teachers or to my school-mates.”

            When John Bosco, more popularly known as Don Bosco, was fourteen years old he had to leave home because of the unfriendliness of his stepbrother and work as a farmhand on the farm of the Moglias in another village.  Every Saturday evening he would ask permission from the Moglias to go to Moncucco, a nearby town, early in the morning on Sunday.  As the Moglias had seen John attend the Holy Mass to which they went later during the day, Mrs. Dorothy Moglia was curious to find out what John was doing in the town so early in the morning.  So, one Sunday she went to the town ahead of John and took up a position from where she could watch him unnoticed.  She found him coming to the town, entering the Church and making his confession to

Fr. Francis Cottino, the parish priest.  Then he attended the first Mass and received holy communion.  Then he waited to attend the later Mass also.  In those years (1829), it was not a common practice to receive holy communion frequently.  But every week John was going to confession and receiving communion all on his own initiative.

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Jose Kuttianimattathil, sdb

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Life is a great tapestry. The individual is only an insignificant thread in an immense and miraculous pattern. (Albert Einstein)

We ended the previous article saying that the practice of the wholeness paradigm would enable priests and religious to stay true to the GOSPEL PARADIGM of Jesus Christ. The Gospel paradigm is an open invitation to ascertain the fullness of life to all people. Similarly, the wholeness paradigm too focuses on empowering everyone with fullness of life. It is also an invitation for individuals to mature and progress in all dimensions of their life. Albert Einstein recognised that a human person is just an insignificant thread that weaves an immense and miraculous pattern, designed by the Divine weaver. This miraculous pattern is from the different areas of life that an individual should mature in. What are these dimensions that one needs to mature in and progress?

The Six-Dimensional Wholeness Paradigm

Stephen Covey’s paradigm consisted of 4 dimensions which included the four different areas of one’s personality, namely, body, mind, heart and spirit. Four dimensions of a person’s life were included in Covey’s model. The Wholeness Paradigm that we discuss here consists of six dimensions, including the four dimensions of the earlier model. They are physical, cognitive, emotional, spiritual, social and moral dimensions.

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Fr. Dr. Joseph Jeyaraj, sdb

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Corrie Ten Boom, a Dutch woman who lived during the Second World War and the occupation of her country by Nazi Germany, faced atrocities few of us ever face. Together with their aged father, she and her sister were arrested and taken to a Nazi concentration camp. Their “crime”? Giving shelter to Jews (whom the Nazis were determined to exterminate). Her father died in the camp. Later, her sister perished from the inhuman treatment meted out to them by the women guards of the camp. Corrie never lost hope. She was not afraid. She brought hope and even peace of heart to many of the other inmates. In the midst of inhuman cruelty, Corrie would say, “However the deep the darkness, His love is deeper still.”

Others wondered why this woman was not afraid of death. She shared her secret in a book she wrote after the war, The Hiding Place. She narrates what she learnt from her very inspiring father, a  man of deep faith.  One night, when she was six years old, her loving daddy was putting her to sleep. Corrie told him, “Daddy, I feel scared of death.”

Her father sat on her bed, and asked Corrie, “Corrie, what do I do when you have to make a trip?”

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Fr Joe Mannath SDB

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Mohan, originally from Kerala, came to Bangalore in search of employment two decades ago. After being unjustly dismissed from his job due to an altercation, he found himself without any support. Desperate and destitute, he resorted to drinking and eventually ended up sleeping on the streets. Tragically, his belongings were stolen, leaving him with nothing. With a fractured leg and no prospects, he was forced into begging.
Homelessness is a pressing issue, with individuals like Mohan facing adversities that push them to the streets. The homeless struggle daily, resorting to crime, substance abuse, and even prostitution to survive. Children and families also suffer, deprived of basic necessities. This misery stems from a lack of housing and support systems. The stark contrast between extreme wealth and destitution underlines the need for compassionate action and upliftment.
In a 1977 interview, St. Mother Teresa expressed deep admiration for the strength and resilience of the poor. She urged people to empathize and actively connect with those in need, emphasizing that they have much to teach us. St. Mother Teresa discouraged pity or sympathy but instead urged understanding and learning from their struggles. She encouraged individuals to open their eyes, walk the streets, and engage with the poor, recognizing their humanity and the valuable lessons they offer. St. Mother Teresa believed that to truly love and understand the poor, one must embrace a sense of poverty within themselves.

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Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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I write this article while on retreat in Antigua Guatemala. Situated some 25 kms from Guatemala’s present capital city, at an altitude of about 1,500 metres above sea level, Antigua was the capital city between 1541 and 1776 until a powerful earthquake destroyed it. It is a beautiful quaint city with streets of cobblestones, and brightly painted colonial houses. The Volcan de Agua rises majestically over Antigua Guatemala; coffee is cultivated on the sides of the 4,000-metre volcano.

After the earthquake of 1773, some churches, monasteries, and other buildings were never rebuilt and nowadays their ruins became tourist attractions. Others became places of pilgrimages, and it is not a rare scene to see people walking on their knees along the naves of such churches. Guatemalans are a very devout people and there still exists a mixture of Mayan spirituality and Roman Catholicism. Against such a backdrop of natural and man-made beauty, it is not difficult to enter a contemplative retreat mode. I spend my time just observing the ever-changing scenery from the window of my room in the Posada de Belen Retreat House or praying either in the church of La Merced or the Escuela de Cristo.

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Br Carmel Duca MC

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FR JULIAN SALDANHA SJ  IN CONVERSATION WITH JANINA GOMES

1. Tell us something about your early upbringing and  call to join the Jesuits

In my family, besides my parents, I had an elder brother and elder sister. Ours was, I would say, a religious family. Apart from the daily Rosary I think it was marked by a spirit of honesty and charity. Since the church was close by, it is not surprising that my brother and I were also altar servers there. Both of us studied in St Xavier’s School run by the Jesuits; so it is not surprising that I joined them. I was particularly attracted by a little booklet which described the Jesuit way of life and formation.

2. You are a very gifted person with a Licentiate in Philosophy and doctorate in theology, You also have the help of many language skills, such as Greek, Latin, French, German and Marathi. How have these language skills helped you in your teaching apostolate?

The new testament was written in Greek; most of the church documents, including those of Vatican II, are in Latin. To date, important documents continue to be published in Latin. It is plain how necessary it is to know Latin if one wants to interpret these documents correctly. Quite a number of important theological writings are available only in French or German. Marathi is necessary, to be rooted in the local culture and context.

3. You have taught at the St. Pius X seminary for 47 year. What have you and your students gained from this long academic journey with them?

Teaching has enriched my own faith and challenged me to present it in a meaningful manner to others, especially since I have taught about a dozen courses over the decades. I hope it has done the same for my students. Questions which the students ask have been helpful. So I keep updating my courses. Interestingly my students are particularly grateful for the course in public speaking which I still conduct here.

4. Apart from teaching, you have also taken on other responsibilities in the past as a novice master and Provincial. What did you feel were the most tested qualities you had to imbibe in training young Jesuits?

I think the most tested quality I had to imbibe,in training young Jesuits and Seminarians, was listening and sensitivity; also availability and updating myself in developments in psychology. This I felt especially as a spiritual director here for about 20 years.

5. You have contributed to interdenominational dialogue by being founding member and also Past President of the Ecumenical Fellowship of Indian Missionaries. What impact did your contribution make to Christian unity?

I think my regular participation in the ecumenical “Fellowship of Indian Missiologists” (FOIM) has contributed to a better mutual understanding among the members. All of us realize that we face very similar situations/problems and that we share similar thinking regarding missionary activity. I recall the exhortation of Vatican II to Catholics regarding other Christians: “Let them work together especially for the sake of Christ their Lord” (Ad Gentes, 15).

6. You also started an inter-religious group of citizens for civic issues, which functioned in Goregaon, Mumbai for 25 years. What did this group achieve over this long period of time, and is it still in action?

We adopted the name “Manavta” which one of our first members suggested. About 50 issues were taken up, of which about half were successfully resolved. For example: prohibition of sale of ‘gutka’ on railway stations, provision of lavatory outside Goregaon station east, shifting of cattle market, banning motorcycles on station-Subway Road, provision of public gymnasium. The Western Railway also consulted us once regarding a new colour scheme for their rakes.

7. You have been engaged in giving retreats for religious, priests and seminarians all over India. You also said that you once travelled on the roof of a metre gauge train for 8 hours to reach your destination in time for a retreat. This shows your zeal to spread the good word and strengthen Christians at the grass roots. Tell us something about this ministry.

The retreat is meant to provide the retreatants with food for thought and thought for prayer. However I realised that it is more important to share oneself than to provide beautiful or clever thoughts. The Messenger should as far as possible be the message !

8. You have written 8 books, edited two books and written about 150 articles, plus book reviews on theological subjects and also in dictionaries and encylopaedias. Clearly your scholarly contribution to the Church must be lauded. Tell us about some of the themes you wrote on?

My writings have been mostly in the area of my specialization: Missiology or Mission. But I do also have writings on topics which I have been handling in my teaching here in St. Pius College, e.g. the Holy Trinity, Church, the ‘Last Things’ (eschatology). My latest book, Exploring Frontiers (2016) gives some idea of the diversity of topics I have discussed in my writings.

9. You also have to your credit the direction of 3 doctoral theses and being first reader for another 3 doctoral theses. No wonder you are an Associate Professor in JnanaDeepa. You have thus been engaged in strengthening the foundations of the church of the future. How do you rate your contribution in this sphere of scholarship.

My contribution in the sphere of scholarship has been like a drop in the ocean. After all, the church is like a vast family of Christ spread over all continents. Here in India we have quite a large pool of Scholars in philosophy and theology. Although to date no one has articulated the fruit of all this research in a single “Summa Theologiae Indicae”, together our scholars in India can make a very valuable contribution to the Church in India, Asia and even the world.

10. That you are still retained as teaching staff in Goregaon seminary despite your age, shows how much you are valued by the hierarchy. Sum up your 47 years contribution to the formation of young people studying to be priests.

I have always viewed my work here as having a multiplying effect. Namely, through the priests (& bishops), I touch the lives of the innumerable people they minister to. It is fulfilling to know, that in this way I have responded to the Lord’s injunction: “Feed my sheep” (Jn21:15 ff.). And my students are well placed to know whether the Messenger was also the message ?

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

Like the proverbial old soldier, it is time to ‘fade away’:

 “For all that has been ‘thanks’; for all that will be,‘Amen’” (Dag Hammarskjold)

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Miracle at Moreaux (1985)  Runtime: 1 hour

Director: Paul Shapiro

Cast: Loretta Swit, Robert Joy, Geneviève Appleton Milan Cheylov Simon Craig Thomas Hellman

The plot of this movie follows Claire Bishop’s novel Twenty and Ten based on some real events in 1943 in Nazi occupied France. It celebrates the quiet heroism of a French nun and a group of school children who helped to rescue three Jewish children during the holocaust.  The events take place during Christmas, coinciding with the Jewish festival of Hanukkah. Amidst the Nazi regime and the efforts of underground resistors helping Jews escape to Spain, an underground guide leads Anna, Sabine, and Daniel, three Jewish children, towards the border. The Nazis have blocked the roads to catch escapees, forcing them to hide in the forest near a convent. When their rescuer attempts to steal food from the convent, he is caught by Dominique, a senior inmate. In an attempt to distract Dominique, the rescuer runs into the forest and is shot by Major Braun, a Nazi officer, in front of Sister Gabrielle and the children. Sister Gabrielle manages to save Anna, pretending she is one of her truant wards, and brings her into the convent. Later, the other two children are also hidden there while preparations are made for the Christmas pageant. Despite the sympathy of the other children, Sister Gabrielle must confront Dominique’s prejudice against Jews. Major Braun becomes suspicious and investigates the convent after discovering forged Spanish passports belonging to the three children. However, Sister Gabrielle successfully conceals the children and uses the distraction of the Christmas pageant to deceive Major Braun. With the support of Sergeant Schlimmer, an old man sympathetic to their cause, and the children’s assistance, the Jewish children manage to escape right under the noses of the searching soldiers. In a heartwarming moment, the Christian children begin their Christmas celebrations by lighting candles, while the Jewish children announce the start of Hanukkah. This unity and mutual affection create a new dimension to Christmas, symbolizing hope and triumph. In the end, the three children escape across the border, aided by everyone involved. Sergeant Schlimmer reports to Major Braun that there are no Jewish children hiding in the convent, and the movie concludes with the enduring symbol of the still-burning Hanukkah lamp, representing hope and triumph in the face of adversity.

Dead Man Rising (2016)  Runtime: 97 minutes

Director: Thomas L. Callaway

Cast: Sean Anthony Moran, Travis Johns, Corbin Bernsen, Daniel Roebuck, Lawrence Hilton-Jacobs, Shawna Waldron, Mike Capozzi.

The movie is set inside the death row of an American prison where Daniel, a condemned criminal struggles with his desperate spiritual condition and moves gradually towards faith. The story unfolds through dialogues between Daniel and his fellow inmate, Fish, an unbeliever who challenges Daniel’s growing faith. Daniel, unknowingly responsible for the death of 11 people during a failed robbery attempt in a senior citizen’s home, finds himself at a dead end. Upon entering his cell, he tries to connect with a fellow prisoner adorned with Christian tattoos, assuming he is a devout believer. However, he soon discovers that Fish is a renegade Christian turned atheist.

As Daniel awaits his impending execution, he learns from his lawyer about the excruciatingly painful death he will face through a lethal chemical cocktail. Driven by curiosity, he requests access to a computer and the internet to investigate this rumored new form of human experimentation. Although granted limited access, Daniel engages in animated discussions with Fish, exploring themes of the human condition, the existence of God, the afterlife, the reality of Christ, undeserved human suffering, the historical accuracy of the Gospels, scientific theories of the universe’s origins, and the emergence of life on Earth.

Fish challenges Daniel’s newfound faith, prompting him to question his beliefs. Meanwhile, Daniel’s guilt-ridden past haunts him through vivid dreams. The conversations between Daniel and Fish continue, delving deeper into their perspectives on Christ.  The film also explores the ongoing conflict between science and faith. As Daniel’s lawyer delivers the devastating news of his failed appeal, Daniel must confront the inevitability of his fate. In the midst of his despair, he gradually realizes that Fish had been assuming the role of an atheist, all along, to guide Daniel towards finding God on his own terms. The final sequences are poignant, exploring themes of grace and redemption.

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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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