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The Pursuit of Happiness

All of us in this world have a dream or wish to be happy. We spend much of our lives in search of happiness. Yet, aren’t we afraid of the desolations that come into our lives? Have we prayed for the grace of desolation or darkness in our lives? How many of us would prefer to suffer willingly as Jesus suffered?  We are called to witness happiness in desolation and sadness in consolation. As we see in Ecclesiastes 3, for everything, there is a time. In our lives, we witness people go through desolation and darkness, as though they were born to die in depression. It may be in physical, emotional, spiritual, or intellectual aspects. Some even suffer in all these areas at once. On the other hand, some people enjoy their lives with friends, families, and life partners as though they never have sadness in life. By looking at all these things, we generally feel that God is partial. Is He?

Lessons from Nature

Why does God allow so-called bad things to happen in our lives? Doesn’t He love us? Doesn’t He consider us His own children? Will a mother or father think evil of their children?

I’d like to give you a small image to help you understand brokenness. A crow lays an egg, and after the egg hatches, the crow takes care of its nestlings. The crow nurtures its little ones, feeding and pampering them. But as the nestlings grow, the mother crow throws them out of the nest, pushing them to fly. Does this action mean the crow does not love its chicks? Only when they fall down do they learn to fly. They look out, get up, and go further to lead their lives. Sometimes, love can be bitter.

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Sch Jeevan Santhosh SJ

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Sound of Freedom (2023): 121 mts

Director – Alejandro Monteverde

Cast: Jim Caviezel, Mira Sorvino, Bill Camp, Eduardo Verástegui, Javier Godino, José Zúñiga, Kurt Fuller, Gary Basaraba.

This movie is loosely based on the experiences of Tim Ballard, the founder and CEO of Operation Underground Railroad, an organization combating human trafficking. In 2013, Rocío and Miguel Aguilar, two poor children from Honduras, are kidnapped by Giselle, a beauty queen who deceives their father, Roberto, with false promises of a modeling career. During the first photo shoot, the children are abducted. Tim Ballard, working with Homeland Security Investigations in Calexico, California, is appalled by the increasing child pornography and trafficking cases that cross US borders. Determined to fight, Ballard befriends suspect Ernst Oshinsky by posing as a pedophile. This leads to the arrest of Earl Buchanan and the rescue of Miguel, who gifts Ballard with his sister’s Saint Timothy necklace before reuniting him with his father. Ballard’s search for Rocío takes him to Cartagena, Colombia, where he learns about Giselle’s sex trade connections in Thailand. With the help of a Colombian police officer and a wealthy man named Delgado, Ballard plans a sting operation but is ordered to return home as it cannot be executed in a foreign country. Ballard resigns and continues his search for Rocío. His sympathetic superior secretly supports his mission through the US Embassy in Colombia. Ballard traps Giselle in a sting operation, rescuing 54 children and arresting her. However, Rocío has been sold to FARC, a rebel militia in the Amazon jungle, beyond Colombian government reach. Using fake documents to pose as doctors, Ballard and his companion, Vampiro, infiltrate the rebel camp, but only Ballard is allowed entry. Rocío is held as a sex slave by El Alacrán and is forced to make cocaine. Ballard shoots El Alacrán to rescue Rocío and successfully returns her to her family, giving her the necklace gifted by Miguel. Ballard’s testimony leads to new international laws against sex trafficking. The epilogue starkly reminds viewers that more people are enslaved today than when slavery was legal.

The Chess Players (Shathrunj Ke Khiladi ) 1977: 130 mts

Director: Satyajit Ray.

Cast: Sanjeev Kumar, Saeed Jaffrey, Amjad Khan, Shabana Azmi, Farida Jalal, Richard Attenborough, Tom Alter, David Abraham, Victor Banerjee, Farooq Shaikh

This classic Hindi movie by the Indian maestro, Satyajit Ray, draws its story from a famous historical fiction by Munshi Premchand that depicts the story of British colonialism in India and shows how the debauchery, escapism and apathy of the ruling monarchs of India paved way for British colonization. The story centers on Wajid Ali Shah, the Nawab of Avadh, a pleasure-seeking patron of the arts, who surrenders his kingdom to the British East India Company in 1856. General James Outram of the Company exploits the Nawab’s failure to honour their agreement to justify the takeover. Parallel to this is the story of two nobles, Mirza Sajjad Ali and Mir Roshan Ali, obsessed with chess and indifferent to the political turmoil. They neglect their duties and their households, escaping to a remote village to continue playing. Their obsession leads to quarrels, even as they witness the British army marching towards their capital without concern. Ultimately, Wajid Ali Shah abdicates without resistance, highlighting the indolence of the nobility. The chess players’ argument culminates in a shooting, but they quickly reconcile and return to their game. Ray’s film poignantly illustrates how indulgence, hedonism, and irresponsibility contribute to the decline of civilizations, with the game’s continuation symbolizing the inevitable loss of power and privilege under foreign rule.

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I proudly admit that the Third World Group left an indelible mark on me. Forgive me if this might be the third time that I’ve mentioned this group in one of my articles, but it was truly special. We were all young, in our late teens or early twenties, full of enthusiasm and ideals, yet very realistic and down-to-earth. We were both rebels and young prophets. We spoke up against injustice, took a stand and stayed close to the poor. We were the voice of the voiceless because we had heard the “cry of the poor”.

Most of us were university students, with only a few already working. Despite this, we financed all our activities for the poor with our own pocket money. When funds were low, we begged from our families, went to parishes for donations, raised funds, and sometimes sold items. One day we came up with the idea of selling music cassettes with songs that imparted a social message written and composed between 1969 and 1982. The following are some of the songs which were included in the cassette.

Give Peace a Chance

In July 1969, John Lennon wrote the anti-war song Give Peace a Chance. This period followed the worldwide protests of 1968, which were characterized by anti-war sentiment, civil rights movements, youth counterculture, and rebellions against state militaries and bureaucracies. In the United States, the Tet Offensive sparked protests in opposition to the Vietnam War. In Europe, particularly in France, far-left students led civil unrest against capitalism, consumerism, American imperialism and traditional institutions. April 4 saw the assassination of Martin Luther King Jr. Give Peace a Chance quickly became an anthem of the American anti-war movement during the 1970s.

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Br Carmel Duca MC

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 “Constitution is not a mere lawyers’ document, it is a vehicle of Life, and its spirit is always the spirit of Age.”- B.R. Ambedkar

The word “Constitution,” of French origin, generally refers to regulation and orders. The Constitution of any country is the fundamental law of the land, holding the highest authority and sanctity. It outlines the basic principles of the State, structures and processes of governance, and the fundamental rights of citizens, while also envisioning a path for national growth and development.

After India gained freedom, the Constitution makers dreamed of creating a viable governance model centered on the primacy of the people. The farsighted and visionary leadership of the Founding Fathers and Mothers bestowed the nation with an outstanding Constitution, serving as a beacon for over seven decades. The success of India’s democratic system is largely owed to the robust edifice and institutional framework laid down by the Constitution.

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Adv. Sr.Mary Scaria SCJM

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In this interview with Fr. Francis Juan Senabre, S.J., a dedicated missionary from Spain, we delve into his extraordinary journey of over seven decades in India. Born in Lorcha just before the Spanish Civil War, Fr. Juan faced early hardships but was deeply rooted in faith. His call to the Jesuit vocation led him to India, where he eagerly embraced new languages and cultures. Fr. Juan’s extensive work in various parishes and schools, his contributions during challenging times, and his unwavering commitment to the needy showcase a life devoted to faith and service. Reflecting on his time in India, he expresses gratitude and a heartfelt wish for peace and harmony in the country he considers home.

Tell us something about your earlier years and your family

My full name is Fr. Francis Juan Senabre,S.J. At home they call me Paco, in school and among friends I was known as Senabre, my mother’s surname, as a Jesuit I go as Fr. Juan, with many spelling  it as Avan, Won, etc.

I was born on 21 April 1931, just before the Spanish Civil War, in Lorcha, a small village close to Gandia, the city of St. Francis Borgia. My parents were simple, devout and very hard working. My father was a good farmer and mason. He built our house and the houses of the other three brothers. During the civil war we were under the Communists. My father and elder brother were taken to prison. They came to our house with rifles. I was five years old then. We lived in fear and were deprived of many things. The village church was demolished, so we said our prayers secretly. I still keep a vivid memory of how we prayed the rosary. I learned the litany in Latin and my father praised me. Till today I say it in Latin.

How did you first experience your call to be a Jesuit? 

After the civil war my parents, my sister and brother went to Gandia. I got admission in the Jesuit school run in the same place as of St. Francis Borgia. I served mass daily and joined the Sodality of Our Lady. One day I was playing football and I suddenly remembered I had to attend a meeting. I left the game and went running and reached on time. When I reached there I looked for a while at the statue of Our Lady, and that was the beginning of my vocation. I was very friendly with the Fathers and in contact with the Tertians who were there from different parts of Spain and abroad. They sent me to the Apostolic School in Roquetas. On the occasion of the canonization of St. John de Britto, I took part in a play. I read the lives of saints and letters from missionaries, made a retreat  in Veruela, the Jesuit Novitiate and on 15th August 1948 I joined the same novitiate.

Did you opt to come to India as a missionary or were you assigned?

I expressed my desire to be sent to India to the novice master, Fr. Victor Blajot. It was a great surprise when I was appointed. It was Pentecost Sunday, 5th.June 1949. Fr. Sayo, the Provincial came at recreation time and said: “the Holy Spirit inspired me to send brothers to Japan and India”. He confirmed that I would be sent to India. You can imagine my feelings then!

What did you do after finishing the Novitiate years?

I finished the Novitiate, learned a bit of English and sailed to India with Fr. Heras as leader and 8 others. After 18 days we landed in Bombay on11th February 1952, it was Monday, the Feast of Our Lady of Lourdes. It was at 7 a.m in the morning, when I saw the hazy silhouette of Bombay from the ship. Fr. Heras pointed out to us the towers of St. Xavier’s College.  At V.T. station we took the local train which was not crowded and reached Andheri, Vinayalaya.  We were warmly welcomed, and served lunch consisting of rice and curry which I tasted for the first time. So, everything was new. There, I improved my English and the next year, 1953 was sent to Anand to study Gujarati.

In 1956 Gujarat was separated from Maharashtra and made into a new Province. I then remained in Mumbai and Fr. Coyne, the Provincial, told me, “you are young, study Marathi”. Once again, I had to begin with the ABC of a new language.

When were you ordained and what mission work did you do after that?

I studied Philosophy and Theology in Pune, De Nobili College, and then did two years of Regency in Parel,  Mumbai.  I taught Latin to the seminarians, and was ordained a priest on 24th March 1962, with 20 others, in St. Mary’s, Mazagon. After that I spent 3 months in Talasari, practised my Marathi, and even said mass in Marathi. I then went to Sitaghara, Hazaribag for my tertianship, finished my training for Jesuits and came to Mumbai.

My first appointment was in 1964 to St. Anne’s Church and St. Mary’s, Mazagon.  For 22 years I served there and identified myself with the people, children, youth and adults. I was Director of the Young Men and Young Ladies Sodalities; in charge, Manager of the Parochial School in Tadwadi, involved in the young workers league and youth center. I ran the Summer Holiday Camps for about 1000 children, which were very much appreciated then and are still talked about even today. Later, I was a Chaplain for students at St. Mary’s SSC School and this too has remained very much a part of my life.

You were transferred again to Holy Family church in Andheri, Mumbai. What work did you do there?

 In 1986 I was transferred to Holy Family church and school, where I did Parish and school work. With Ms Marita Ishwaran, social worker we ran  an organization called Ashankur, helping the needy with a meal a day programme. During the riots in Mumbai, I took the local Corporator around and visited homes until peace was restored.

You have been working in Bandra for some years now, and what work are you presently engaged in?

After 8 years, in1994 I came to St. Peter’s, Bandra, and have been involved in many activities both in the parish and St. Stanislaus school, celebrating the Eucharist, visiting the families in the zones and hearing regular confessions on Saturdays. Through my work, I hope to help people experience the love of God in their own lives.

I can say I am happy and very much at peace, accepted by the parish team, appreciated by all. I am grateful to God and to Our Lady, to the Society of Jesus and to everyone. I have been blessed in many ways during these 72 years in India.

In conclusion, what are your wishes for India?

I wish and pray that we all stay joyfully, in peace and harmony, so that the country may prosper. I did not get Indian citizenship but my heart is very much here, one with you all, especially the needy.

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Ms Janina Gomes

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Amidst our daily routines and the bustling corners of our lives, moments shimmer with a touch of the divine. Seemingly ordinary instances – a kind word, a shared meal, an embrace after a long day – hold the potential for profound transformation. Though subtle, they carry the essence of the extraordinary.

Pope Francis, in his Corpus Christi homily, described the Eucharist as the “aroma of bread,” a metaphor rich in simplicity, hope, and love. This August, as we celebrate significant events such as the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary and India’s Independence Day, we draw inspiration from this metaphor to explore themes of ordinariness, community rebuilding, and the enduring hope arising from everyday acts of love and faith.

In this issue of Magnet, we delve into these transformative moments. We begin with the Eucharist, where bread and wine become vessels of grace, inviting us into communion with the divine. This simple act of sharing a meal reminds us that the sacred can infuse even the most mundane aspects of life.

Cover Story One, by Fr. Arnald Mahesh, explores how Jesus’ profound presence in the Eucharist inspires us to embody love, empathy, and communion. This sacred encounter compels us to champion solidarity, justice, and inclusiveness while uplifting those on the margins of society.

Reflecting on the Assumption of Mary, we see how the ordinary is elevated to the divine. Mary, of humble origins, becomes a beacon of hope and courage. Her assumption challenges us to see beyond the surface of our existence and embrace our own journey from the ordinary to the extraordinary.

Cover Story Two, by Sr. Lini, reflects on Mary’s prophetic insight, transforming conventional notions of power. Her engagement with the ordinary infused divine transcendence into everyday moments, turning the mundane into a profound expression of grace.

As we celebrate India’s Independence Day, we honour a nation’s journey – a testament to resilience, courage, and the quest for freedom. From daily struggles to triumphs of independence, India’s story mirrors our own search for meaning and purpose. It reminds us that every step toward justice and liberty is a step toward the divine.

In Cover Story Three, Fr. Babu Jose draws a compelling parallel between India’s Independence movement and the 2024 elections. He highlights how both reflect democracy’s vibrant essence and the extraordinary power of collective strength.

In addition to our cover stories, the articles within this issue further explore how the everyday commitments of dedicated men and women reveal the profound power in engagements that, while seemingly ordinary, are imbued with divine greatness.

Art, too, emerges from everyday life, transforming the ordinary into the extraordinary and capturing the essence of our existence. Raphael’s painting of the Sistine Madonna, featured on our cover page, embodies this transformation with timeless beauty and spiritual depth. The artwork evokes a sensibility of another age, reminding us that the divine can be found both in the grandeur of art and the simplicity of daily life.

This issue invites us to pause and reflect on how these themes resonate in our lives. How do we perceive the divine in the everyday? How do we honour the sacred in our interactions, aspirations, and our collective journey toward a better world?

Here are a few tips to help us perceive the divine in our daily lives:

1. Practicing Mindfulness: Being fully present in each moment allows us to appreciate the beauty and sacredness around us.
2. Cultivating Gratitude: Reflecting daily on what we are thankful for helps us see the extraordinary in the ordinary.
3. Engaging in Acts of Kindness: Small acts, like helping a neighbour or sharing a meal, can remind us of the divine presence in our lives.
4. Seeking Silence and Solitude: Finding moments of quiet helps us connect with the divine within us.
5. Reflecting on Sacred Texts and works of Art: Engaging with sacred texts and spiritual art can offer new perspectives on the divine.

As we explore these practices, may we find inspiration and solace in the beauty of the ordinary and discover, in each moment, the whisper of the divine.

In our ongoing effort to bring you inspiring content and thoughtful reflections, we kindly remind you to renew your subscriptions to Magnet. Your ongoing support is crucial for us to maintain the quality and relevance of our magazine. We appreciate those who have already renewed and encourage those who haven’t to do so at your earliest convenience. We also invite you to support us through advertisements, which help sustain our efforts and expand our reach. Our magazine holds immense value, as reflected in the positive feedback we receive from our readers. This magazine is a collective endeavour – yours, ours, and a testament to our shared commitment. We deeply value your engagement and contributions, which help us continue to create content that resonates and inspires.  Moreover, spreading the word about Magnet to as many readers in your circle of contacts as possible not only helps increase our subscriptions but also sparks meaningful conversations that encourage others to see beyond the ordinary and embrace the extraordinary.

As we celebrate the Assumption of Mary and India’s Independence Day, may you be blessed with joy, peace, and inspiration in all your endeavours.

With heartfelt gratitude for your continued readership and engagement.

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Pushpa Joseph, Chief Editor

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The Kerala Conference of Religious in India is an association comprising approximately 355 religious congregations and 470 major superiors. Of these congregations, 267 are for women religious, 71 are priestly religious congregations, and 17 are brothers’ congregations. There are approximately 40,000 religious members in Kerala, and the state is home to 29 CRI units. The Kerala Conference of Major Superiors (KCMS), as the regional body of CRI, fosters collaboration among religious orders and ensures cooperation and coordination between the local church and diocesan clergy. Prioritizing the pastoral vision and specific needs of the Church in the Kerala region, it is dedicated to enhancing the spiritual, social, and administrative facets of the religious life in Kerala.

The Thrust of CRI Kerala

Having a clear and focused thrust is essential for any religious organization to remain true to its mission and effectively serve its community. Pope Francis and the teachings of Vatican II emphasize the importance of staying rooted in the Gospel while adapting to contemporary needs. Pope Francis has often spoken about the need for the Church to be synodal, meaning that it must walk together with its members, listening and discerning together the will of God. This approach aligns with the spirit of Vatican II, which calls for renewal and a return to the core values of the Gospel. The organization’s thrust is embodied in its objectives, which reflect a commitment to embracing synodality, fostering renewal, nurturing future leaders, addressing contemporary challenges, enhancing financial management, and advocating for social justice and morality.

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The sixth article in this series, summarizing the contents of Volume 6 of the Council Notebooks, focuses on the role of the liturgy in the life of the Church.

This volume explores Sacrosanctum Concilium, the Constitution on the Sacred Liturgy. The central theme of this Constitution is the aggiornamento (updating) of traditional liturgical texts and rituals to align with fundamental principles and to be more pastorally effective in the changed conditions of the times. Mother Church earnestly desires that all the faithful should be led to fully conscious, active participation in liturgical celebrations.

This article is divided into four thematic sections, with a concluding reflection.

The Season of Vatican II: A Revolution in Liturgy

Pope John XXIII’s calling of the Ecumenical Council is compared to the Copernican Revolution. Imagine the vibrancy of a parish where the Mass is celebrated in the local language, making the liturgy accessible and deeply resonant with the community. Consider the joy of a grandmother, who, for the first time, hears the prayers of the Mass in her native tongue, feeling more connected to the divine mysteries. This renewal brought the public prayer of the Church into the hearts and homes of the faithful, bridging gaps between clergy and laity.

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On 26 April 2024 more than 50,000 people, who had gathered for the National Assembly of Italian Catholic Action, cheered and applauded when Cardinal Marcello Semeraro, Prefect of the Dicastery for the Causes of Saints, announced that Blessed Pier Giorgio Frassati will be canonized next year, 2025, which happens to be a Jubilee Year. This announcement evoked jubilation not merely in Italy but also in other parts of the world where he is loved and admired.

Pier Giorgio Michelangelo Frassati was born in Turin, Italy on 6 April 1901. His father Alfredo, was the founder and editor of the newspaper, La Stampa. Later he became an Italian Senator and Ambassador to Germany.

His compassion towards the poor and eagerness to help them were revealed already in his childhood. Once, hearing a knock, he opened the door to find a mother and her son begging. Seeing that her little son had no shoes, he took off his shoes and gave them to the boy. When he was eight years old, his father refused to help a man who came to their house asking for help, because he was drunk. Seeing this Frassati went to his mother sobbing. She told him to go and find the man and bring him home. When Frassati did so, she asked the poor man to sit down and eat. Sometimes he would give away to the poor the money he had been given for the bus fare and then run home to be on time for meals.

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Fr M.A. Joe Antony, SJ

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Prayer is communicating with God. There are several ways of communicating with people whom we love and who are dear to us.  With God, whom we want to love with all our heart, with all our soul, with all our mind and with all our strength (Mt 22: 27-39), one of the best ways of communicating is definitely by adoring him. Prayer is the adoration of our adorable God, by being aware of His adorable presence.

WHAT IS ADORATION?

Adoring is a respectful feeling or showing great affection and devotion toward someone who is worthy of all glory, honour and praise. Prayer is an act of worship wherein our hearts and lips offer praise to God. Worship is the contemplation of God as He has revealed Himself in Christ and in the Scriptures. It is paying honour and reverence to the Almighty God, Creator of the Universe.

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Sr. Celine D’Cunha FMA

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