home

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Pushpa Joseph,

To subscribe to the magazine, click Subscribe

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

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

Novice Vivek Clitus D’Souza

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

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

Active Role of Women in the Gospels

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

Sr. Elizabeth Rani OP

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

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

Resurrection Experience in religious formation:

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

Sr Benny D’Cunha UFS

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

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

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

Here are a couple of shocking statistics:

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

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

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

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

Fr Joe Mannath SDB

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

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

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

LOVE = ear to h-ear-t = LOVE 

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

Can you imagine LOVE without the act of listening?

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

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

 CL Uday Kumar SDB

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

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

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

Sr. Lalita Roshni Lakra, DSA

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

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

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

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

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

(Part two with Annexures I, II, and III along with Schedule I will be printed in the next issue).

In our Church set-up, we put up so many buildings, but often remain ignorant of the materials and the quality of the work.  Hence, I thought of sharing the following Construction Agreement as a sample for our use at the Province/Diocese level:

CONSTRUCTION AGREEMENT

THIS AGREEMENT is made on   (Date)   Between:  (the Province/Diocese), hereinafter called the TRUSTEE, which term shall include his/her assigns and successors.

AND

(Name of Contractor), hereinafter called the BUILDING CONTRACTOR, which term shall include his assigns and successors.

Whereas the Trustee possesses a plot of land at   (place/site) and is desirous of constructing a building in the said plot of land as per the approved plan and the specifications, rates and quantities, enclosed and forming part of this agreement.

NOW, THIS AGREEMENT IS AS FOLLOWS:

1. The Building Contractor shall act in consideration of the money to be paid in the manner set forth below to execute and complete the works as per the plan and specifications enclosed to the satisfaction of the undersigned Trustee and his/her Representative, residing at  (place).                          .
2. This contract covers the entire construction (civil, electrical, plumbing). The total built-up area of the building is ( __ ) sq ft, costing Rs (Rupees only), including GST. This payment is to carry out the work in respect of the entire construction of the said building, including electrical and plumbing, as per the architectural and structural drawings and as per items mentioned in the schedule attached here. TDS of 1% shall be deducted on each running bill before adding GST.
3. The term Trustee shall mean the Governing Body member, who has been authorized by the society to represent the society and execute this agreement.
4. The term Representative shall mean (name) residing at (place), and or his/her representatives, appointed by him/her for site supervision.

Fr Alex G SJ

To read the entire article, click Subscribe

Don Bosco, a saint who  spent all  his life caring for poor young people, used to tell them, “For you I study, for you I work, for you I live, for  you I am ready even to give my life.”  In fact, Dr. Fissore, the physician who treated him, explaining the cause of his death said: “There is no single cause. It is the result of general exhaustion, the result of a life worn away by unceasing work and continuous worries. Don Bosco is simply worn out because of too much work. He is not dying because of any particular disease, but he is like a lamp which is slowly dying for want of oil.” Occasionally, returning from a visit to a noble or prominent family he would tell the poor youth whom he looked after: “Here in your midst I feel completely at home; for me, living means being here with you.”  In Don Bosco we have an example of a shepherd  leader, one who lovingly cared for others and spent (sacrificed) his life totally for them.

What is Shepherd Leadership?

            Last month we described Jesus as the Servant Leader.  When we read the New Testament we notice that Jesus had a unique perspective on leadership that included at least two other metaphors, namely shepherd and steward.  Here, we shall deal with shepherd leadership.

Jose Kuttianimattathil sdb

To read the entire article, click Subscribe