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Madam Rose brought two students to the principal’s office, expressing her frustration, “Sister, I’ve given up. These two never obey. They refuse to get a haircut or trim their nails. Do whatever you want, I’m fed up.”

Little Sidharth, a student from Class VI, caught my attention and requested a private conversation in the office. He pleaded, “Please, Sister, don’t call my parents or force me to cut my hair. I can’t face anyone if I cut my hair because I already feel short. It’s only my long hair that helps me feel equal to the other students. I feel so small in front of everyone.” Taking his hand, I led him back to his classroom. Throughout the journey, he persistently asked me to leave him and promised never to disclose why he kept his hair long. Upon reaching the class, Sidharth made various attempts to prevent me from speaking. Finally, I reassured him that I would not belittle him with my words. I asked the class, “What do you think Sidharth is capable of becoming in the future?” In unison, they replied, “A Chottu or a Mottu.” Sensing the need for a different approach, I changed the question, “What qualities have you observed in Sidharth?” The class grew serious, and one by one, they shared their thoughts. “Sister, he is very quiet, a good friend, talented in sports, never troubles us, and always polite. He could become a doctor like his father.” As Sidharth heard the list of his qualities, he thanked me, and I left him in the class, whispering in his ear, “Sidharth, you are not defined by what you believe. You can aim high and reach for the sky. Your height will not hinder you. Please consider getting a haircut.” And he did go for a haircut

Sr Mariella CTC

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The book, Democracy in Darjeeling, is a comprehensive collection of 14 thought-provoking articles written by the author, at different times, who hails from Kerala and belongs to the Salesian community. In a remarkable display of interculturality, the author immersed himself in the local society, diligently learning the language and wholeheartedly embracing the spirit of Jesus’ incarnation, thus forging a deep connection with the people of Darjeeling. Drawing from his experiences as an educator, the author presents a refreshingly positive and imaginative perspective on sustaining democracy even amidst seemingly hopeless circumstances— a relevance that resonates powerfully in our current context. With a keen focus on the pivotal role that educational institutions can play in fostering a vibrant civil society, the book advocates for their active involvement in democratization efforts. At a time when the values of democracy are under threat, the book serves as an inspiring guide, offering valuable insights on how educational institutions—especially those associated with the Church in India—can become beacons of democratic principles for the youth.

The book delves into the historical backdrop, highlighting the Gorkhas’ persistent demand for the acknowledgment of the Nepali language as a medium of instruction, as well as their ardent plea for its official recognition in the hill areas of Darjeeling. Thadathil skillfully navigates the intricate terrain of these linguistic demands and underscores their significance in shaping the Gorkhas’ identity. Moreover, Democracy in Darjeeling aptly delves into the Gorkhas’ pursuit of including Nepali in the eighth schedule of the constitution—a demand that carries profound implications for their cultural preservation and political representation. Thadathil expertly elucidates the significance of this struggle and its resonance within the larger framework of democratic principles.   Through thoughtful analysis, Thadathil crafts a compelling narrative that not only showcases the Gorkhas’ resilience but also sheds light on the broader issues of linguistic and cultural rights within a democratic society. The book serves as a poignant reminder of the complexities and challenges faced by marginalized communities in their pursuit of identity and equality.  Democracy in Darjeeling is a remarkable contribution to the field of socio-political studies, offering readers a comprehensive and empathetic understanding of the Gorkhas’ struggle for recognition and their indispensable role in shaping the cultural fabric of Darjeeling.

Fr (Dr) George Thadathil SDB

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The Sanyasa Sangama 2023, organized by Bangalore CRI, was a successful event celebrating our identity as consecrated persons with vibrancy, unity, and solidarity. Over 1000 consecrated members gathered as one voice, proclaiming their unity in Jesus and commitment to spreading His message worldwide. Fr. Xavier Manavath CMF delivered a captivating talk on the purpose of CRI and the need for collaboration to overcome challenges.

The Holy Eucharistic celebration, led by Rev. Fr. Juventius Andrade CSSR, emphasized active participation from all zones. In his impactful homily, Fr. Juventius highlighted the essence of religious life as a protest against comfort, urging for practical engagement and structural changes to live out Jesus’ teachings. He emphasized the metaphors of salt and light, calling for authentic witnesses who embody selfless dedication.  Fr. Juventius stressed the importance of being authentic witnesses and embracing the “Theo drama” while shedding ego-driven behaviors. By living a committed religious life, one becomes a true example of selfless dedication, akin to a “White martyrdom.”

Prof. J. Philip, the Founding Director and Chairman of XIME Bangalore, a renowned figure in Business Management and an active member of the Catholic Church, addressed the gathering. He emphasized the importance of bringing efficiency to our organizations and staying attuned to the changing world to avoid becoming outdated. Prof. Philip exemplified this by sharing his personal efforts in establishing XIME, a successful college of administration. He quoted author Jim Collins, stating that “Good is the enemy of the great,” highlighting how many religious institutions have remained stagnant instead of striving to become great institutions. Prof. Philip encouraged the audience to transform Christian institutions into exceptional and distinctive establishments, leaving a lasting legacy in Indian society that can be recognized and accessed by all.

Mrs. Margret Alva, our Chief Guest, a distinguished former MP, Central Minister, and Governor, challenged us religious to awaken from slumber, to address the mistreatment of women, and to prioritize sharing Christ’s story. She called for unity, outreach to the poor, and collaboration between Christians and Muslims for mutual protection. She acknowledged the efforts of Christians in educating tribals, Dalits, women, and marginalized sections of society, and noted that Christians and Muslims played significant roles in the struggle for independence.

Bishop Sebastian addressed the gathering, acknowledging the challenge of attracting youth to the Church. He also expressed concerns about the feeling of insecurity among religious individuals, which hinders their proactive engagement. He encouraged them to focus on small acts of love within their communities, even if they may not be able to accomplish big things. Drawing inspiration from Francis of Assisi, Bishop Sebastian emphasized the importance of creatively finding ways to share the story of Nativity without reacting to challenges.

Most Rev. Archbishop Peter Machado, in his talk, underscored the need for religious individuals to fully realize their unique calling and endeavour to bring God into their personal lives and communities. He advocated for an attitude of synodality, going to the level of the simple people and reaching out beyond the comfort zone. He stressed the importance of connecting with families and engaging in meaningful dialogue with them. Archbishop Machado acknowledged the challenges posed by a potentially hostile atmosphere, particularly targeting Christians due to divisions among them. He urged Christians to unite and face these challenges together. He also highlighted concerns about the marginalization of minority rights guaranteed by the Constitution, with the introduction of new rules that sideline these rights. The archdiocese faced potential risks to its 93 schools as per the requirement of having a minimum of 25% Christian students to be considered a minority institution. He emphasized the need to enroll more Christian students in these schools to ensure their continued existence. Lastly, Archbishop Machado called for religious individuals to utilize their talents and extend their contributions beyond the confines of their respective domains.

The day was further enriched by cultural performances organized by different zones, and special thanks were extended to all performers and organizers for their efforts in making the event memorable.

CRI NEWS – 2

Prophetic Faith Dialogue

This event, on February 5,2023, brought together the religious of the CRI unit of Mangalore to engage in meaningful conversations about their prophetic roles in today’s world. Through inspiring talks, testimonies, and spiritual nourishment, participants were encouraged to embrace their calling and foster a dialogue of faith that empowers and uplifts. The highlight of the day was the input session delivered by Rev. Fr. Prince Xavier, a respected clergyman from the Archdiocese of Hyderabad. With deep-rooted conviction and personal life experiences, Fr. Prince shared profound insights on the prophetic role of the religious in today’s world. He passionately challenged the attendees to embrace authenticity and live as true followers of Jesus, inspiring them to be agents of change and transformation in society. His words resonated with the audience, stirring a renewed sense of purpose and calling.  A significant moment came with the testimony shared by Ms. Divya Bhatt, a renowned filmmaker and social activist from Bangalore. Born into a Brahmin family, she shared her personal journey of encountering Jesus Christ, who became her way, truth, and life. Ms. Divya’s testimony served as a powerful testament to the transformative power of faith and the profound impact it can have on one’s life. Her words ignited inspiration and motivation among the participants, reaffirming their commitment to their own faith journey. After a refreshing lunch break, the participants received valuable insights on maintaining good health and overall wellness. Rev. Fr. Mervin Noronha from the Society of the Divine Word and Dr. Sr. Severine Menezes, the President of the Mangalore CRI unit, shared practical tips and advice to prioritize physical and mental well-being. Their guidance provided the religious individuals with valuable tools to maintain a balanced and healthy lifestyle, ensuring they can continue to serve others with vigor and dedication. The day culminated in a joyous Eucharistic celebration, concelebrated by five religious priests. This gathering united around 450 priests, sisters, and brothers in a powerful communion of faith and devotion.

To foster spiritual rejuvenation and renewal, an hour of Eucharistic adoration and the opportunity for confession were provided. This sacred time allowed the religious participants to reconnect with their faith, seek divine guidance, and recommit their lives to the service of the Lord. Sr. Cecilia, the President of KRCR (Karnataka Regional Conference of Religious), delivered a brief speech, highlighting the nobility of the religious vocation. She encouraged the attendees to invoke the Holy Spirit and live a life guided by Him. Sr. Cecilia also drew attention to the words of Pope Francis, calling upon all religious to actively work for the well-being of families, as the Diocese of Mangalore had dedicated the year to family ministry. She commended the President and executive team of the CRI for their commendable organization of the program, fostering an atmosphere of unity and collaboration among the religious attendees.

CRI NEWS – 3

Empowering Voters

The Karnataka Conference of Religious, India, in alignment with Archbishop Peter Machado’s conscientization efforts, played an active role in raising awareness about the Karnataka State Assembly elections. The CRI units across Karnataka were duly informed and encouraged to engage in motivating the public to exercise their right to vote. The CRI emphasized the importance of supporting socially active and secular-minded candidates who would safeguard the Constitution and uphold the interests of society. In collaboration with the Eddelu Karnataka campaign organized by the Jesuit priests, the Karnataka Conference of Religious worked diligently to mobilize resources and organize online meetings, enabling valuable discussions on the election. The local CRI units deserve commendation for their outstanding efforts in training individuals to obtain voter identification cards and prepare for the elections. By empowering the people, these units played an instrumental role in ensuring a strong and informed electorate. The success of the Congress party in the Karnataka State Assembly elections reflects the collective determination and commitment of the entire Church of Karnataka, the CRI and its collaborators in advocating for responsible and conscientious voting. This victory stands as a testament to the power of informed citizen participation in shaping the future of our democracy. As we celebrate this momentous occasion, let us recognize the importance of continued civic engagement beyond election cycles. It is imperative that we remain vigilant, holding elected representatives accountable for their actions and promoting the values of inclusiveness, social justice, and constitutional principles. As we move forward, let us embrace the responsibility of active citizenship and work towards building a society that upholds democratic ideals and serves the interests of all its members.

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Financial planning is a critical component of managing finances and involves budgeting, income/spending calculations, resource generation, saving, investment, tax planning, asset acquisition, borrowing, and repayment. Budgeting, although central to financial planning, is not the sole focus. Each person’s budget is unique and tailored to their specific needs and priorities.

Procedure for financial planning:

1. Financial goal setting: Any planning is done in line with one’s goal, with an idea of reaching one’s destination. You take the bus or train depending on where you want to go. You don’t board the train and then decide where you want to go to! Similar is the concept of goal setting. Any planning that involves finance is the financial goal.

When you think of financial goal setting, you have to remember the following important principles:

1. Your goal has to be SMART, i.e., it has to be Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Realistic and Time-bound. It is not enough to have a goal, but it should have all the above five elements. If your goal is vague then it will only remain a dream. On the contrary, if the goal is specific enough, it will motivate you to save for it. It is not enough to say “we want to increase our saving”; but you have to spell it out as “we want to save Rs 20 lakhs out of this year’s income to set up a staff welfare fund and we will do it by reducing the expenses on entertainment by 10%”. The former statement will remain a dream and the latter statement, which is SMART, becomes an achievable goal. It is only after determining such concrete goals that you can think of making a budget that will enable you to achieve the financial goal.
2. The next principle to keep in mind is to start from where you are and with what you have now. DO NOT TRY TO START WITH WHERE YOU WANT TO REACH OR WITH WHAT YOU DO NOT HAVE NOW. If what you have is only a cycle, then do not try to start your journey with a car! An unrealistic desire will never take off.
3. Don’t compare or imitate others, for each one’s life situation and needs are different. Remember what is said in the first para that copying in the exam of life will be useless as each one has a different question paper.
4. Plan how best to utilize the available resources to reach your destination. Efficiency and success depend on how efficiently you can achieve your target with the minimum use of resources.

 Fr Alex G SJ

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“The journey to wholeness requires that you look honestly, openly, and with courage into yourself, into the dynamics that lie behind what you feel, what you perceive, what you value, and how you act.” (Gary Zukav)

So far, we have discussed on the importance of the philosophical basis, theoretical principles and essential qualities of wholeness. From now on, we shall try to understand how this wholeness can be practised in our day-to-day life. This in fact, is a great challenge: we cannot automatically become holistic persons, just because we have understood the concept of wholeness. The journey to wholeness requires a lot of hard work and perseverance. We need to possess certain essential qualities if we want to journey well on this path towards wholeness. As Gary Zukav affirmed, honesty, openness and courage are these essential qualities. These qualities will assist us in both clarifying our perspective of core values and the manner in which we put them to practice in our daily life.

The Wholeness Paradigm

It has been my long-time desire to create a paradigm based on wholeness as its core principle. Thus, the idea of the Wholeness Paradigm was initiated about 10 years ago and has been presented to groups of professionals, teachers, professors and the religious. Before we go on to explain the theory and practice of the wholeness paradigm, let us attempt to understand the meaning of the paradigm. A paradigm is a model, an exemplar or a pattern that can be followed or imitated. It is an archetype that can be replicated in different areas of life. In short, a paradigm is a set of ideas or beliefs based on which further theories and practices could be formed. Some examples of a paradigm are; the Indian cultural paradigm, an educational system, empowerment model of social work, etc.

Wholeness paradigm is thus, a model on which different categories of people can design their life. Parents, for example, can first of all, form themselves and then raise their children according to the wholeness paradigm. Educationists and teachers can model their teaching methodology and skills on this paradigm. Priests and religious too can follow this wholeness paradigm which will help them to experience fulfilment and happiness in their ministry.

Fr. Dr. Joseph Jeyaraj SDB

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Synodality is not merely a theoretical concept but a practical call to action embraced by Pope Francis. It urges Catholics worldwide to engage in meaningful dialogue with individuals from diverse backgrounds and to foster relationships based on mutual respect and understanding. By actively practicing synodality, we can contribute to the creation of a more just and peaceful world for all.

One notable example of synodality in action occurred during the celebration of International Women’s Day in March 2023 organized by the Brahma Kumaris, a renowned spiritual movement known for the prominent role women play within their organization. The event took place in Dwarka, New Delhi, and served as a platform to advance the cause of women’s empowerment. Recognizing the immense spiritual resources women possess, which often remain untapped and undervalued, the Brahma Kumaris invited empowered women from various sectors of society to address the gathering, aiming to inspire others with their wisdom and experiences. To my astonishment, I received an invitation from the Brahma Kumaris to be the main speaker at this event, which provided me with a remarkable opportunity to interact with a world-renowned group of another faith. As a Catholic nun serving among the marginalized convicts in Tihar Jail, this invitation reaffirmed the reality of synodality in my life—a step taken by Pope Francis to guide the Church forward, listening to each other’s voices and discerning the signs of the times through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit.

Sr Inigo Joachim SSA

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Child marriage, defined as a union where the boy is under 21 years of age and the girl is under 18, continues to persist in India despite regulations like The Prohibition of Child Marriage Act 2006. Shockingly, according to UNICEF reports, 27% of girls in India are married before the age of 18, and 7% even before they reach 15.It is estimated that 650 million women worldwide have been married in childhood itself. Of these, half the number is shared among five countries – India, Brazil, Bangladesh, Ethiopia and Nigeria. Child marriage is a grave issue that persists in many parts of the world, violating the rights of millions of girls and boys. It robs children of their childhood, education, and future prospects.

My Experience

While working at BOSCO Child-line, Bangalore, we encountered numerous instances of child marriage. Sometimes, we received urgent calls reporting an impending child marriage. On one occasion, at 9:00 AM, we received a call informing us about a 14-year-old girl’s imminent marriage scheduled for 10:30 AM. Acting swiftly despite the heavy traffic in Bangalore, we reached the wedding venue. To our dismay, we found the young couple already seated for the ceremony. With the assistance of the police, we intervened, halted the marriage, and rescued the girl. We promptly took her to CWC, Bangalore. Despite facing threats from the family members for our intervention, we remained undeterred. We persist in responding to the pleas of children trapped in such forced marriages.

In this essay I will explore the reasons behind child marriage, its consequences, and the urgent need for concerted efforts to eradicate this harmful practice.

Sr Lini Sheeja MSC

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The day I had to accompany one of my Brothers to the immigration office in Lima to apply for his residential permit turned out to be a nightmare. Two weeks earlier I had gone to apply for mine and in less than ten minutes I was in and out. But not this time. The appointment was for 1.30 pm and since we had arrived early, we decided to attend the midday Mass at the Church of Our Lady of Mercy in downtown Lima. Thirty minutes later we were in the midst of two or three hundred people waiting in three different lines. We were assigned to the middle row—lo and behold the longest one. I was not prepared for such an “endeavour”—I did not even carry a book or my water bottle with me. Three full hours in the midday Peruvian scorching sun! And to top it all, when the turn arrived for my Brother to enter the office building, I was not allowed in to act as his interpreter since he spoke no Spanish. So, I had to wait outside.

            This time, not being constrained to standing in the long queue, I found a shady spot, bought a bottle of cold water and sat down on the doorstep of a building. And that’s when the miracle happened. Next to me sat a young woman carrying a small child. As soon as the small boy saw me, he started smiling and was trying to touch me. Eight-month old Daniel Tadeo had a beautiful trigueño -wheat-coloured skin, with typical Andean almond shaped eyes.

            I must admit that I am never very popular with babies. I can still recall my two-year old cousin Clare’s screams as soon as she saw my face and heard my deep voice! But not with Daniel Tadeo. He seemed to be such a happy baby, radiating pure joy. One could sense that he was loved. I just cherished that present moment, talking to this young mother and her adorable baby. And that’s how my Brother found me when he came out of the office after more than an hour.

Br Carmel Duca MC

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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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